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Hike to God's Thumb

Lincoln City, Oregon

4.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brianna Clark

A less populated beach hike to "the knob" for views of Lincoln City and the Pacific ocean that makes you feel one step closer to God.

From Road's End State Park, map your way to the end of NE Port Street and park on a pull off next to the described gate: on your right you'll see the gate with three skinny trees to the right of it. You'll want to park as close to this gate as possible, this will be in between some houses on a hill and the only gate around. 

Walk behind the gate up an old, steep, overgrown road until you hit the first junction, take a right here. To your left, if you so choose, you can walk a few hundred yards to a lower viewpoint overlooking Lincoln City and the Pacific Ocean. 

Follow the footpath already made through a forested area for quite some time. You'll begin to think you're lost, but keep following the large trail. Eventually you'll reach an overgrown thistle patch. If you can find an already made path, use that. If not, start to push the bristles back and trek forward. As long as you head west toward the ocean you will reach the knob from this point.

The meadow will begin to open up and flatten out as you see the thumb. From here you can take in the view and then continue on the ridge to the top of the thumb for the most exhilarating view. You could even head down the thumb for some views of the thumb from a lower viewpoint. Or based upon discretion you could even head down to the sand.

Once you have taken in the view and gotten your pictures, head back through the forest the same way you came. 

If you're looking for a longer hike you can park at Roads End State Park and walk along the paved road to the gate and come back down along the ocean line until you arrive to the beach and walk along the beach for about two miles until you return to the parking lot.

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Hiking
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Hike to God's Thumb Reviews

There is no Trail or Trailhead in this part of the Siuslaw National Forest. Just user paths of ecosystem destruction without conscious sustainable habitat oriented plans. Lincoln City should be held accountable for endangered wildlife stress caused. Appalling volume of tourist sent to gain $$$. There is no place named God's Thumb - call the Hebo Ranger Station to check, just a marketing scheme. It has worked, mud pits replace wetlands, trampled paths instead of grasslands, scared Forest replace native beauty. Sad. Please choose a different way until CHSRA (Cascade Head Scenic Research Area ) can find a solution to the destruction.

Not crowded and great to add onto a weekend in Lincoln City to get away from the crazy crowds.

The hike itself has two iterations: 15 minutes and about 40 minutes to the thumb. We took the longer route, and while the beginning of the hike was straight up, it levels out and the pay off is AMAZING. Panoramic views, places to picnic, it was spectacular. I would say it was on the easier side of moderate, but it also has some challenging spots that those who are afraid of heights or struggle with inclines might want to avoid.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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Hike to Cascade Head

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Hike to Drift Creek Falls

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint