Hike to Drift Creek Falls
Otis, Oregon
Details
Distance
3.5 miles
Elevation Gain
490 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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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Hike to Drift Creek Falls Reviews
Fun hike, not too hard. Waterfall was fun to see. People will stop for photos on the bridge
5.0
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
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