Kennedy Falls

RATING - 22.0

VR - 6.0 (Med) HR - 2.0 SR - 10/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Trail

DIFFICULTY - Medium

LOCATION - Olympia Area

TYPE - Tiered

HEIGHT - 38'

WIDTH - 30'

DIRECTIONS - From Olympia, head west on Highway 101. In a couple miles, turn north (staying on 101) towards Shelton. In about 3 miles, turn left onto Old Olympic Highway. Park on the wide shoulder next to the gated Rd 2700. Hike the road for 2.7 miles to the "trailhead". (Look for ribbons and a path on the right.) You'll reach the top of the falls in about half a mile.

Kennedy Falls is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall located in the Southern Olympics. The trail leads to a good view of the 8 tall, 30' wide upper tier. The lower tier is a stunning 28' tall double drop into a deep pool of water. The canyon below the falls is incredible! Steep basalt lines both sides and moss and huge boulders are everywhere.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REACH THE BOTTOM TIER FROM ABOVE!! I had to enter the canyon about 1/2 a mile downstream and then scramble my way up to the base. It's difficult and fairly dangerous.