For Thurston County, Kennedy Creek Falls is surprisingly impressive with several cascading falls totaling 70’. The largest tumbles over basalt columns about 25’ into a gorge that is inaccessible without rappelling and fairly awe inspiring. Best views and access is from the NORTH side by far. South side access via Kennedy Creek Natural Preserve past the yellow DNR gate from Old Olympic Highway is the second easiest but trail access to get down into falls is abysmal, muddy, you will get wet, and can’t get a good view. North side access from parking areas listed below is via a deserted logging road with several blown down trees for 0.6 miles with gentle grade. Mostly the logging gate on highway 8 is open so drive to the parking area listed. Car on this dirt road is fine.
To to get there, park along highway 8 next to gate and ride your bike in, walk in, or drive (if the gate is open). About 3 miles to the area listed below with a yellow 11 sign tacked to a tree (see picture and use GPS coordinates). Walk down the deserted road until you arrive at an informal camp site and you’ll hear the falls!
Park here alongside highway 8. If gate is open, drive in.
(47.0593653,-123.1795508)
https://goo.gl/maps/g7Nsrb3ExaE2
Kennedy Creek North side Parking
(47.0785033,-123.1340807)
https://goo.gl/maps/SdJtG3yMjkE2
Falls.
(47.0775610,-123.1267940)
https://goo.gl/maps/ppZFrjfP8uT2
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