Kentucky Falls & North Fork Smith River–July 13, 2019 (Saturday). There will be long and short options for this hike. Our first hike is to Kentucky Falls and back. Kentucky Falls area offers views of 3 waterfalls two of which drop over 100 feet. This hike is 2.2 miles down to falls then 2.2 miles back on switchback trail. It is rated moderate to difficult. Plan on 3.5 hours to complete the hike with plenty of time to relax, eat lunch, enjoy the falls and then walk back up the switch back trail at your leisure. (NOTE: After completing this hike, some hikers may want to drive to the N. Fork Smith River Trailhead and walk along the river.) For those who want a more challenging hike join our long hike leaders as they continue another 6.5 miles down along the N. Fork Smith River trail. The trail winds back and forth over several rustic bridges through old growth forest of Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Big Leaf Maples. We will make a side trip to the cable suspension bridge and eat lunch along the creek and soak our tired feet. Bring a towel. The long hike is rated most difficult. Participants should plan on 6.5 hours for the total 9 miles of hiking. The long hike may require a shuttle. Long sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves, and some strap on sandals for wet crossings are required. Bring lunch and water and raingear, dress in layers, and wear sturdy waterproof boots. Location and Time – We will leave the Dune Information Center parking lot in Reedsport at 7:30am. Please arrive ten to fifteen minutes before that to sign in and coordinate cars. Directions – From Coos Bay Visitor Center in downtown Coos Bay travel 26.6 miles N on Hwy 101. Visitor center is on left directly opposite the turnoff for Hwy 38. We will leave from the Dune Information Center at 7:30 and reach the Kentucky Falls trail head around 9:00. Some gravel roads and pot holes are on our route so we will go easy. • Suggested Carpool sites and departure times — • Reedsport Visitor Center – 7:30, • Bay Area Visitor Center—6:45, • Rays in Bandon—6:10, • Coquille Visitor Center—6:10, • Battle Rock Park Visitor Center—5:20.
