Hike Coordinator: Penny Groth
Narration by Penny Groth
Eleven hikers met at the Douglas County Courthouse on a drippy Saturday morning. As the hike coordinator, I handed out a sheet of info for driving and hiking. I asked Edwin to take the lead vehicle position once we got onto Lower Smith River Road as I had only been in there once before.
Off we went, three cars of us. We picked up two more hikers in Elkton, making our total count thirteen. The drive to this hike, in my opinion, is equally as beautiful as the hike itself (and on this day, more dry!). The drive up Lower Smith River Road is along the river, spotted with picturesque old barns and fruit trees. As the road meanders farther, there are several crossings over creeks heading for the Smith River, water tumbling over rocks, moss laden trees.
At the trailhead, we were welcomed with a heavy drizzle. We quickly added layers of raingear, trying to keep our base layers dry! After a group photo, off we went down the trail. This was not a gully washer, but an intermittent shower that came and went the entire day. Well…we were in a rain forest in April! Lots of trillium welcomed us along with bleeding hearts, solomon’s seal, ferns, and salmonberry to name a few. I did hear birds singing, but definitely not the same as a sunny day’s jaunt down this same avenue. This magnificent stand of timber within this coast range rainforest is a treat within itself; douglas fir, hemlock and red cedar, with ferns and wildflowers at their base. We often have glimpses of Kentucky Creek as we descend, and shortly into the hike we pass Upper Kentucky Falls. This fall is just as beautiful as the lower two, just different. Always fascinating to me to see how falls look different from one another, largely because of the rock formations beneath the flowing water.
Coming around that last corner before the double falls, brings a sense of awe. Two stunning waterfalls brim full of powerful rushes of water, Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls! At this point, a group of six wanted to continue downstream along the North Fork Smith River trail for a bit. This part of the trail encounters lots of small babbling streams trickling down to join Kentucky Creek. There were quite a few downed trees, and after the third set, four of us decided to find a lunch spot (two made it to the swimming hole…for lunch, not swimming). Edwin found the perfect restaurant with a view for the four of us; a large log with a picturesque view of Kentucky Creek, very enjoyable! We then headed back up.
My first trek along this path was March of last year, on a beautiful sunny day. The birds were singing so sweetly, wildflowers were at their peak, smiling in the sunshine. I have wanted to go back ever since and am so thankful I did!! It was not as stunning as in the sun, but definitely one of my favorites. I’d like to make this an annual event. But might be one to plan spur of the moment after checking out the weather – wink-wink!
Read more about this hike on Richard O’Neil’s blog, Richard Hikes
More pictures on Richard O’Neill’s Flickr page
Pictures below by Richard O’Neill
