Hike to Drift Creek Falls

This hike down to Drift Creek Falls is more of an easy stroll. But before you reach the trail head, if coming from the north, make sure to stop at Oregon's oldest covered bridge off Bear Creek Rd.

The trail head to Drift Creek Falls will be farther south on Bear Creek Rd where you will branch off onto NF-17 for 10 miles and the trail head parking lot will be on your left.

The hike starts with long, easily manageable switchbacks down a ridge toward the east. There is a spot where the trail forks and you can explore the "North Loop" which takes you through about half a mile of old growth forest and reconnects you with the main trail. It does, however, provide some uphill climbing on the loop, which is probably the hardest part of the whole hike. You'll continue down the main trail and cross over a small stream a couple times thanks to small wooden foot bridges. The creek you've been following suddenly plunges 75 feet into the Drift Creek Canyon. View the falls from above on the 260ft suspension bridge, or continue down the path to the bottom of the falls where you'll find a cool picnic table carved from a large fallen tree. Beware, there is a tree that has fallen over the path and is awkward to get around to reach the base of the falls.