Hike Drift Creek Falls: Oregon Coast trail with suspension bridge!

One of the most breathtaking hikes in Oregon is the Drift Creek Falls trail near Lincoln City. But unlike other famous Oregon hikes, Drift Creek Falls isn’t super-long or super-hard. This 3-mile out and back hike to a dramatic suspension bridge is easy enough for older kids, and it’s just a 40-minute drive from the Oregon Coast.

Oregon trails are known for their beauty, but not many have a dramatic suspension bridge hanging above a river! Add in a waterfall and you have an unforgettable hike.

The next time you’re near the Oregon Coast and Lincoln City, make a short detour to the Drift Creek Falls trail. You won’t be disappointed.

Drift Creek Falls trail

Not too long ago, a group of girlfriends and I hiked Drift Creek Falls together. We may or may not have drunk too much champagne the night before, so fresh air and some exercise was just what we needed.

What else we needed, apparently: A good laugh at how yours truly nearly peed her leggings while walking across a suspension bridge swaying 100 feet over a narrow canyon below.

The Drift Creek Falls trail runs just under 3 miles round-trip. It’s an out-and-back trail with less than 500 feet elevation gain. So aside from a few gradual ups and downs, it’s overall a flat and easy hike.

Most of the dirt trail is well graded. That said, you’ll want to keep an eye out for roots sticking up through the ground. Don’t twist an ankle!

The Drift Creek Falls trail crosses a burbling creek. If it looks like too small a stream to result in a dramatic waterfall, that’s because it is! Several creeks and underwater streams combine to cascade over the 75-foot-high waterfall.

Drift Creek Falls suspension bridge

Only a few dozen suspension bridges exist in Oregon, and Drift Creek Falls is one of the most easily accessible. That doesn’t mean it’s less than spectacular!

The Drift Creek Falls suspension bridge runs 240 feet above a river 100 feet below. It looks sturdy, and it is: The bridge can hold 165,000 pounds—that’d be about 12 T Rexes. (Though OMG if you’re on the bridge with 12 ferocious dinosaurs best of luck to you.)

The suspension bridge is sturdy—and it sways. The movement as you walk across the bridge is actually part of its structural design, allowing it to stay standing even in the wind or if a group of hikers with a death wish stomp across behind you.

As you cross the bridge walking in the direction away from the trailhead, you’ll see the waterfall to your right.

Once you’re on the other side, hike down toward the creek. You’ll catch a better view of the falls down there.

Oregon Coastal Range forest

The Oregon Coast Range is covered in dense forest. These pristine areas are full of ferns, Doug firs, cedar, wildflowers and so much more.

Keep an eye out for seedlings growing on fallen logs. The forest district leaves old, fallen timber in the forest (only cutting off sections that block the trail). That’s because mosses, ferns, fungi and even new trees use these “nurse logs” for habitat.

They grow on the fallen logs, since they end up growing a bit higher up than the plants on the forest floor. That means more sunlight and less competition.

You also might notice that the forests along the Oregon Coast don’t fluctuate much in temperature. That’s partly because the trees grow close together, creating an insulating bubble for the ground below. The branches almost weave together—and may even make a bit of an umbrella if it rains!

As you walk along the Drift Creek Falls trail, you’ll pass old growth trees as well as newer growth. Old and new combine for a healthy ecosystem, making habitat for birds, salamanders, deer and elk. Even bear and cougar call these forests home, though they steer clear of well trafficked trails like Drift Creek Falls in Oregon.

Details to hike Drift Creek Falls, Oregon

Drift Creek Falls is about 40 minutes inland from Lincoln City, OR. You can google directions to the Drift Creek Falls trailhead, which is trail 1378. I recommend downloading the map in case you lose service in the hills. 

Much of the road to the Drift Creek Falls trailhead is windy and narrow. If you get car sick, make sure to take car sickness prevention medication before your drive. It doesn’t really work if you take it once you’re already queasy.

This popular trail gets quite busy, especially on weekends and during the summer. To avoid crowds, go as close to sunup as you can, or hike on a weekday.

There is a toilet at the Drift Creek Falls trailhead, but I’d only use it if the need were dire. Take care of biology business before you arrive.

Some parts of the trail are narrow. Step aside the best you can when you pass others on the trail. Maintain social distance so everyone can safely enjoy the outdoors, and keep a mask on-hand for when you can’t stay more than 6 feet away from others.

Safety note: The trail itself is easy to moderate. It’s not strenuous, and it doesn’t climb a lot of altitude. That said, I’m still not comfortable taking my young kids on this hike near Lincoln City.

That might be because of my extreme and almost-paralyzing fear of heights. But I just don’t trust my young kiddos, who are 5 and 7, to stay safe near the suspension bridge.

This hike is excellent for older kids and parents who wear their littles in a hiking backpack or baby carrier. But personally, I don’t recommend bringing kids younger than about 9 or 10.

If you’re able, though, don’t miss this stunning Oregon Coast hike. It’s a short 40-minute drive from nearby Lincoln City and 100% worth a stop.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss my thorough post on the best things to do in Lincoln City, OR!