Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill
An ocean-view Lincoln City standby for seafood and a comfortable sit-down meal.
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Photo from the That Oregon Life archiveOregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Mapleton
Kentucky Falls
Kentucky Falls is a hike waterfall outing near Mapleton in Oregon Coast and Coast Range. This guide rates the visit moderate and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.
- DifficultyModerate
- AccessHike
- Round trip4.4 mi
- Nearest townMapleton
The place
Why Kentucky Falls is worth the stop
Kentucky Falls is a public waterfall destination near Mapleton, set in the Oregon Coast Range. The visit is best understood as a 4.4-mile round-trip hike rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.
What the experience feels like
Expect 4.4-mile round-trip hike with a moderate difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.
Visit details
Plan your trip
- Waterfall status
- Natural waterfall
- Public access
- Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
- Region
- Oregon Coast and Coast Range
- County
- Lane
- Nearest town
- Mapleton
- Access type
- Hike
- Round-trip distance
- 4.4 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Parking
- Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
- Road conditions
- Long gravel forest-road approach; verify route
Trailhead and parking
Start at the documented public access point
Coordinates: 44.048000, -123.811000
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects hike access and approximately 4.4 mi round trip. Expect more effort or route complexity than a developed roadside viewpoint or very short walk.
EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.
Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Kentucky Falls
Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Independent local picks
Eat and stay near the central Oregon Coast
For Mapleton and remote Coast Range trailheads, Florence or Reedsport usually offers the most dependable services. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.
Inn at Spanish Head
An oceanfront Lincoln City hotel with sweeping views and an on-site restaurant.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRiver House Inn
A central Florence riverfront base for Mapleton and Coast Range outings.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRecommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.
Keep exploring
Other waterfalls nearby
Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.
Make a day of it
More around Mapleton
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