There’s nothing more quintessentially Oregon than hiking. The hiking here is second to none; Oregon’s waterfall trails offer incredible adventures for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. So a hike with a waterfall, swinging bridge, and unrivaled views? Well, that’s a recipe for the most Oregon day ever. Head to Lincoln City for the ultimate day trek in Oregon, the Drift Creek Falls Trail.
You’ll find the trailhead for the Drift Creek Falls Trail just south of Lincoln City.
Mitchell Friedman/Flickr
The trail is located in the Drift Creek Wilderness area of the Siuslaw National Forest, a lush and wild wonderland full of old-growth trees and verdant foliage.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
This out-and-back trail is just over three miles long, and accessible for all skill levels. The first half of the hike involves a downhill descent as you make your way to the eponymous falls.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Soon enough, you’ll hear the melodious sound of Drift Creek Falls. The waterfall plunges 75 feet off a steep cliff into the rocky ravine below.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
For these jaw-dropping views, you’ll cross a 240-foot-long suspension bridge that spans the ravine.
artem a/Google Local
The bridge is about 100 feet above the valley floor, and the entire area is picture-perfect. Make sure to bring your camera to capture shots of the forest, waterfall, and bridge; this area is peak Oregon!
Explore Lincoln City/Facebook
Over by the bridge, there’s a steep pathway you can take to get down to the base of the waterfall.
Explore Lincoln City/Facebook
This is an only-in-Oregon experience you’ll definitely want to have, so make sure you’re wearing the proper shoes and gear for this leg of the hike.
Dakota Ross/Flickr
A favorite spot for photographers, you’ll probably see some fellow waterfall chasers admiring the naturescape, too.
Ronnie P./AllTrails
(Oregon photographers like to get up close for that perfect shot, and we can’t blame them!)
S. Ryan/Google Local
Definitely plan to stop and soak up the views. Of course, you can snap a selfie for your feed, but this experience is one you’ll hold in your own memories, too.
Stanley Lobdell/Google Local
What’s your favorite hiking trail in Oregon? Have you hiked the Drift Creek Falls Trail before? If you’ve been, share your experiences in the comments below! Learn more about this scenic Oregon hike at AllTrails.
Mitchell Friedman/Flickr
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
artem a/Google Local
Explore Lincoln City/Facebook
Dakota Ross/Flickr
Ronnie P./AllTrails
S. Ryan/Google Local
Stanley Lobdell/Google Local
While you’re in Lincoln City, be sure to pay a visit to God’s Thumb, an incredible rock formation off the Oregon Coast.
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Address: Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
