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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.

Amazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.comPinPhoto Guide to Drift Creek Falls Trail, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPinDrift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPin
Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls - Oregon Hikes, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPinAmazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.com Pin
Drift Creek Falls Suspension Bridge, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPin

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

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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Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls - Oregon Hikes, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPinAmazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.comPinAmazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.comPin

Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPinAmazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.com Pin
Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPin
Amazing Hike on the Oregon Coast - Photo Guide to Drift Creek Falls Hike, Lincoln City // localadventurer.comPinPhoto Guide to Drift Creek Falls - Oregon Hikes, Lincoln City, Oregon Coast // localadventurer.comPin

MORE HELPFUL OREGON HIKING GUIDES

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ELOWAH FALLS HIKE

LATOURELL FALLS HIKE

ONEONTA FALLS HIKE

THE ULTIMATE LIST OF WATERFALLS IN OREGON

BEST WILDFLOWER HIKES IN THE PNW

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

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ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.

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This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Minette

    This is one of our favorite places to go. One of our best memories is of a hike we took, of course with our dog, on a rainy day. By the time we got to the bottom to enjoy it all and some pb&j sandwiches, the rain started coming down so hard we were just soaked. We found a branch to stand under and ate our lunch and enjoyed the rain. We were the only people there. It was a perfect day of rain, mud, and laughter.

  2. Beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous forest – and a suspension bridge! The perfect ingredient to make you feel a little Indiana Jones-ish. Well, at least that’s where my imagination likes to go when I hike :D You guys are totally making me think we need to plan an adventure trip to Oregon!!

    1. localadventurer

      It’s so rewarding to see it all while you’re hiking! :) Yes, you should totally visit and plan an adventure here!

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