Drift Creek Falls Trail

While my daughter was home after graduating from Marine Boot Camp we decided to take a day trip to the coast and work in a hike along the way. As my ankle was still recovering from surgery it seemed like a good hike as it is only a 3 mile round trip with a couple hundred feet of elevation change.

If you are traveling up the Oregon Coast Hwy 101 and want a beautiful mountain hike to compliment the many hiking opportunities along the coast line I would highly recommend you try Drift Creek Falls Trail #1378. The reward at the end is a 240' suspension bridge that crosses 100' above Drift Creek below. From the bridge you can view 80' Drift Creek Falls. The trail is located a few miles east of Lincoln City which is in the central Oregon Coast region.

The trail itself is a gentle decline from the parking lot and very well maintained. We saw several seniors who had no trouble making the hike. If the coast is fogged in and cold like it can get in the summer this is a nice escape to some warmer weather. To get to the trail look for the sign just after crossing Siletz Bay going north. This is just as you are entering Lincoln City. Alternatively you can reach the trail head by Taking Drift Creek Road a few miles from the end of Hwy 20. This is the highway that connects the state capital city of Salem to Lincoln City. While in Lincoln City take the opportunity to stop at the D River wayside. Nice beach access and home to the worlds shortest River.

As with most trail heads in Oregon located on Forest Service land you'll need a $5 Northwest Forest Pass unless you have an annual pass. These can be purchased from the self service dispenser near the trail head.