Hike to Drift Creek Falls
3.5 miles
490 ft gain
- Out-and-Back Trail
Added by Tara Warolin
Length: 3.5 miles (if you add the North Loop). Hike Type: Out and back. Elevation gain: 490 feet. Oldest covered bridge in Oregon. 240 ft Suspension bridge. 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.
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Overall rating:
Easy hike
This is a relatively easy hike with minimal elevation gain. Definitely worked up a little sweat, but doable for most everyone, especially beginning hikers. Suspension bridge is really cool, but very narrow so it can be annoying to wait on people, especially if they’re not courteous enough to snap a couple pictures & move on, but feel the need to make it into a photo shoot...Enjoy the views in person ;)
5.0
Cool bridge
It's not too difficult of a hike,and has a cool suspension bridge. The waterfall can be spectacular on the right day
4.0
Absolutely beautiful
In my opinion, this is more of a long stroll than a hike. Very easy to bring the whole family, except of course being very careful once you get to the bridge, which provides a gorgeous view over the canyon and the waterfall. I did this hike in springtime, so it was muddy and rainy but it was really one of the best experiences I’ve had. 100% worth it to continue down to the bottom of the waterfall, and stand in front of it, feeling the mist spray towards your face. Just be careful of all the slippery rocks. :)
5.0
Cool
I went here on a rainy day and it was still absolutely stunning. You cross an intriguing bridge that towers over the waterfall (that will take you down to the waterfall), giving you an amazing view of the area. Definitely a must visit if you're heading towards the coast.
5.0
Beautiful, easy hike
The trail was beautiful and well maintained, but it was definitely muddy (seeing as we went in February), so be sure to bring some good shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. It was easy to locate the trail head and seemed well-marked. Took about 2.5 hours from Hillsboro, OR, and an easy 45-ish minutes from there to Lincoln City for a nice post-hike meal.
5.0
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