Off the beaten path: Mapleton Hikes
By Denise Ruttan
Mid-Coast Wave
May, 2007



Go a little farther inland and off the beaten track, and though there may not be an ocean anymore there are still 
plenty of waterside opportunities to be had. 

The following trail recommendations in the Mapleton area have some of the best waterfalls and riverside views 
in Lane County.  Though some take more time to reach than driving to the ocean, getting there still makes a 
convenient day trip from Florence with rewarding hiking experiences. 

The Pawn Trail is a one-mile trail of moderate difficulty that winds through a fascinating old-growth forest 
ecosystem. The name Pawn came from an early settlement that used to be located near the trail in the 1900s. 
"Pawn" is an acronym that stands for the last initials of four families who were successful in getting a 
post office established in the North Fork Siuslaw River area. 

To reach the trail, take Highway 126 from Florence for one mile to Forest Road #5070. Then go 12 miles to Forest 
Road #5084, stay right and go five miles to the trailhead. 

Sweet Creek is a beautiful, popular trail that takes you through old-growth forest and gorgeous views of several 
waterfalls, winding up at a spectacular display with a couple of overlooks. It's 3.5 miles of easy to moderate 
difficulty. Part of the trail at the beginning has handicapped access. The entire trail is well-maintained on a 
regular basis. Any time of year is good for hiking the Sweet Creek area; this is a good place to view seasonal changes. 

To get there from Florence, take Highway 126 to Sweet Creek Road. Follow the road until you get to the trailheads. 

Another great trail that is a little more challenging, but just as rewarding, is the Kentucky Falls Trail. 
It is four miles round trip and open year-round. 

From Highway 126, about 12.5 miles east of Mapleton, turn south onto County Road 4390, also known as 
Siuslaw River Road. Drive 1.5 miles and bear right across the bridge. In 1.5 miles turn left uphill onto 
Dunn Ridge Road. Then proceed 6.9 miles bearing left at the end of the pavement. Bear right at the 
three-way intersection. In 2.7 miles turn right onto Forest Service Road 919, and the trailhead is inside of 2.5 miles. 

Getting there is complicated, but a sight of 100-foot twin waterfalls makes it worth it. 

North Fork Smith Trail is a good trail for intermediate hikers located a little farther inland. 

From Highway 126 travel south road 4390, Whitaker Creek Road. Travel 8.8 miles east of Archie Knowles Campground 
and six miles west of Walton. In 1.5 miles, turn left onto Dunn Ridge Road. Travel 6.9 miles and turn left onto 
Forest Road 23. Drive another 8.2 miles to the trailhead. 

The trail is 6.5 miles long and provides views of the river and waterfalls. 

For more information on hiking in the Mapleton area, go online to the Web site of Siuslaw National Forest 
at www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw or the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce's local recreation opportunities Web site 
at www.florencechamber .com/RecHikeBike.html.