Drift Creek Falls Hike – Oregon Coast Hikes

During our trip down the entire Oregon Coast, we were looking for all the best photography spots, and we heard from several locals that their favorite was the Drift Creek Falls Hike.

Drift Creek Falls Hike
Distance: 3.0 Miles
Elevation Gain: 490 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Foot Traffic: Crowded
Trailhead Coordinates: 44.9355562,-123.8557009

This was our #20th waterfall out of the 250+ waterfalls in Oregon.

The hike isn’t very long but rewards you with amazing views of a waterfall and a chance to walk across a beautiful suspension bridge. The trail is wide and well-maintained, but keep in mind that all that easy walking down to the falls means you’ll have to walk up on the way back.

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SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE DRIFT CREEK FALLS HIKE

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DIRECTIONS

The trail is straightforward besides one fork. Just after passing a little u-turn with a couple of small bridges over seasonal creeks, there is an uphill trail that is an alternate route. It still takes you to the same place, but the trail is not as maintained as the main trail and has more elevation gain. We continued down the main trail.

Continue down the trail until you reach the bridge. It kind of pops up out of nowhere and is a great surprise. As you cross the 240-foot suspension bridge, you get to look down the 100-foot deep canyon and get your first look at the 75-foot horsetail waterfall. Pass the bridge and you can walk further down into the canyon to get a view of the falls from below.

TIPS FOR YOUR HIKE

• The trail can get very muddy after rain. Bring proper shoes and bring wet wipes if you want to keep your car clean.
• Try your best to stay on the trail. There are stinging nettles.
• Passes: You need either the Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass, which has come in so handy wherever we travel. We had no idea this interagency pass allowed us into so many places outside of National Parks.
• The best views are in the Spring or Fall after seasonal rain.
• The road to the trailhead takes you on a gravel road. There was no problem with our 4-door sedan, but there may be fallen branches or debris on the road after a storm.

WHAT TO PACK

• Water + Bladder or Water Bottle
• Daypack / Camera Backpack
• Rain Jackets (His + Hers)
• Hiking Shoes – the trail can get very muddy, and it helps to have traction if you’re going onto the rocks.
• Hat for Sun Protection
• Camera + Wide Lens
• Tripod (if you want those silky smooth waterfall shots)

OUTFIT (HERS)

Sharmbaa // Airism Racerback // Hiking Pants // Hiking Boots // Floppy Hat
Didn’t bring a Rainjacket, but I would recommend it.

OUTFIT (HIS)

Rainjacket // Mid Layer // Moisture Wicking Tee // WaterProof Pants // Hiking Shoes

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