Drift Creek Falls

Otis, Oregon

4.9/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

2.98 miles

Elevation Gain

449 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tara Warolin

Explore the oldest covered bridge in Oregon, and a 240 ft Suspension bridge en route 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 trailhead 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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Hiking
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Scenic
Waterfalls

Drift Creek Falls Reviews

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.

This hike is a must-do during the rainy season. The Oregon clouds and fog with incredibly high-water output from the falls make for a majestic scene - one that I did not expect. Also, the suspension bridge is awesome! Getting here is slightly tedious, but the slow-going windy forest road is quite charming, and definitely worth it. Just be sure to drive carefully and cautiously. Relax and take in the view.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Walk the Valley of the Giants

Relax at Siletz Bay

Explore the Oregon Coast at Wecoma Beach

Hike to God's Thumb

Hike to Cascade Head

Hart's Cove Trail