Early Spring Hiking Trails – Drift Creek Falls Trail Hike to Siuslaw National Forest Waterfall
Looking for a fun and easy hike the whole family can enjoy? Drift Creek Falls Trail in the Siuslaw National Forest is located near Lincoln City, Oregon, deep in the Siuslaw National Forest. The drive there is a bit complicated and GPS isn’t reliable due to the lack of phone service out in the forest, so we encourage guests to either print a map or download a Google Map to their phone before leaving their Oregon Coast Rental. This stunning out-and-back hike is family-friendly and ideal for hikers of all levels. Plus, it’s just minutes from other natural attractions like the tranquil Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, making it a perfect addition to your Oregon adventure itinerary.
Where is Drift Creek Falls?
Drift Creek Falls is nestled deep in the central Oregon Coast Range, approximately 13 miles southeast of Lincoln City, Oregon. The trail is part of the Siuslaw National Forest, known for its towering trees, moss-draped canopies, and the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s coastal ecosystem.
While GPS can be unreliable as you approach the trailhead, it’s best to download an offline map or print directions. If you’re using Google Maps, search for “Drift Creek Falls Trailhead”, and be sure to begin navigation before leaving the paved roads. This region is a hidden gem among Oregon’s many natural wonders, often overlooked for its more famous coastal counterparts.
Fast Facts:
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: ~3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~480 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trailhead Elevation: ~1,000 ft
- Parking: Drift Creek Falls Trailhead
- Cost/Pass Required: A recreational pass is required, and a day pass can be purchased for $5 on the official website.
- Dogs allowed? Yes, on a leash
- Family/Kid Friendly? Totally! This is a great hike for all ages and skill levels!
Getting to Drift Creek Falls Trail
From Lincoln City:
- Head east on Highway 18 for 4.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Bear Creek Road.
- Continue for 7 miles to the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead.
The last portion of the route winds through gravel forest service roads. Drive cautiously, especially during wet conditions or early spring thaw. Despite the backroad drive, it’s absolutely worth it for the experience that awaits.
Get directions to Drift Creek Falls Trailhead.
The Drift Creek Falls Trail is approximately 3 miles long, and rewards hikers with a gorgeous view overlooking a beautiful waterfall from a long suspension bridge. Open year round, this hike is great for all age groups, and you can even bring your dog, so long as they are kept on a leash.
The Iconic Suspension Bridge: A Highlight of the Hike
The trail starts out relatively easy with very manageable switchbacks that wind down the forested slope below the trailhead. After a bit of hiking and crossing small streams and bridges, you’ll come to the main attraction – the 240ft suspension bridge over the trail, the largest suspension bridge in Oregon.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the trail is the 240-foot suspension bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Oregon. It stretches dramatically over Drift Creek Canyon, suspended nearly 100 feet in the air. The view of Drift Creek Falls below, cascading 75 feet into the rocky basin, is simply unforgettable.
If you’re a photography lover or planning to document your trip, the bridge offers one of the most photogenic backdrops on the Oregon Coast, rivaling even iconic scenes from coastal lighthouse routes like those in our guide to Oregon’s coastal lighthouses.
Once you’ve made it to the bridge, make your way across and then wind down to the base of the falls. At the bottom of the falls you’ll find a picnic table crafted from an old fallen tree, which is a perfect place to stop and get some rest. We recommend taking a break here before heading back, as hiking back to your car is more difficult than the path into the forest was. The way back is much steeper, whereas the first half of the hike was mainly downhill. If you brought a snack or lunch, the base of the falls is a great place to stop and eat!
Foot traffic is heavy during the summer months and lighter during the winter. You must also purchase a pass to park at the trailhead, or pay by cash once you’ve arrived ($5). If you plan on beginning this hike close to dark, bring a flashlight along with you, as the canopy of trees lets even less light in, making it harder to see the path in the late afternoon/evening hours.
All in all, this is a very approachable trail, even for beginner hikers. Seasoned adventurers will also enjoy hiking Drift Creek Falls trail, as the reward for making it to the end is breathtaking by any standards. You’re sure to see plenty of others while hiking here, so be sure to share the trail, stay safe, and have fun!
The Journey Through the Forest
The hike begins at the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead and follows a steady, gradual descent through a dense Douglas fir and Sitka spruce forest. Ferns, vine maples, and oxalis line the forest floor, creating an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The soothing trickle of small streams and chirping of hidden birds provide the trail’s natural soundtrack.
Along the way, you’ll cross wooden bridges and wind through thick greenery. The forest here is so peaceful, it’s no surprise that nearby spots offer equally relaxing post-hike activities like a massage at Back in Touch in Lincoln City.
Trail Safety & Etiquette
- Stay on marked trails to preserve the area’s delicate ecosystem.
- Avoid rock climbing near the waterfall—slippery surfaces can be dangerous.
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
- Yield to uphill hikers and announce yourself when passing.
- Bring a flashlight if hiking in the late afternoon—tree cover reduces light dramatically.
Best Time to Hike Drift Creek Falls
The trail is accessible year-round, but the best experiences tend to come from spring through fall. Here’s what to expect by season:
- Spring: Rushing waterfalls and wildflowers like trillium and bleeding hearts.
- Summer: Dry, stable trails and warm sun peeking through the canopy.
- Fall: Brilliant foliage with fewer crowds.
- Winter: Rainy but peaceful. Be cautious of mud and potential fallen branches.
If you’re staying in a nearby ocean-view vacation rental, early morning hikes followed by coffee on the deck make for the perfect day.
Wildlife and Ecosystems
The Siuslaw National Forest is a protected haven for wildlife:
- Birds: Look for Steller’s jays, woodpeckers, and even peregrine falcons.
- Mammals: You might spot Roosevelt elk, deer, or raccoons.
- Flora: The trail is blanketed in western hemlock, mossy nurse logs, and seasonal mushrooms.
Make sure to tread lightly and bring binoculars if you’re a birdwatcher. It’s common to hear a rustle in the underbrush—most likely a squirrel or a chipmunk darting across your path.
What to Bring
- Hiking boots: The trail is generally easy, but muddy spots are common.
- Daypack: Carry water, snacks, a light jacket, and your essentials.
- Camera: Both the bridge and the falls are must-capture views.
- Navigation tools: Download offline maps in advance.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Especially if you’re starting late.
- Bug spray & sunscreen: Especially during spring and early summer.
Stay Nearby with Oregon Beach Vacations
After your hike, there’s no better way to unwind than relaxing at a coastal rental home. Oregon Beach Vacations offers a wide variety of vacation homes near Drift Creek Falls and Lincoln City, with something for every group size and budget.
From romantic cottages with hot tubs to pet-friendly beachfront homes, your post-hike relaxation starts the moment you walk through the door.
Final Thoughts
Drift Creek Falls combines all the elements of a perfect hike – lush forests, coastal views, a dramatic suspension bridge, and a stunning waterfall payoff. Whether you’re in it for the scenery, the photography, or the family-friendly fun, this trail delivers every time.
So pack your gear, download your maps, and prepare for one of Oregon’s most scenic and rewarding forest adventures.
