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!
ah, it looks so beautiful! I would love to try this hike one day 🙂
I hope you get to. Thanks for reading Glenny!
Look like I need to plan a trip to Oregon! I love hiking!
Yes! Oregon hiking is hard to beat.
This place looks amazing, I love being outdoors and adventuring. I need to go here one day!!
Yes! Drift Creek Falls is one of those places that makes you want to visit Oregon, right?
what a beautiful location! and that bridge is impressive!
Isn’t it gorgeous?! Hiking in Oregon gives so many opportunities to explore the beautiful outdoors.
Waterfall plus suspension bridge!! Sounds perfect for our family!!
It really is! The waterfall – suspension bridge combination is hard to beat.
Heading to Oregon Coast next week. Hope to give this trail and suspension bridge a try. Thanks for the great info.
Oh yay I hope you have a great time on the Oregon Coast! Let me know if you end up hiking Drift Creek Falls – I’d love to hear what you think of it.
This hike looks so beautiful! I can’t get over how pretty that foilage is all over. Thanks for the great tips.
You’re welcome, Ashley! I do love Drift Creek Falls for a dramatic but still easy hike near the Oregon Coast.
There’s so much in the Pacific Northwest that I’d love to explore! Would love to check this place out someday! <3 Looks so beautiful there!
Oh my goodness, totally! The Pacific Northwest is pretty much the most beautiful place on earth, in my humble opinion, haha! I hope you make it to Oregon for this incredible hike.
What an amazing place! I’d love to be on that side of the world right now!
Drift Creek Falls sure is a beautiful place. Wishing you happy travels on your side of the globe!
This looks like the perfect area to go hiking for the day! It looks like there is always something new and interesting to see along the route. I love the suspension bridge I’ve never been one in a forest like that!
It sure was, Krista. This Oregon suspension bridge is one of a kind!
This trail looks gorgeous. I love finding easy trails that have lots of scenery to offer. The bridge would have been fun to cross!
Agreed! I love a hard hike, but sometimes you just want an easy trail for a few miles with amazing views.
I would love to visit Oregon – albeit, I didn’t know it was known for its hiking trails. On your pictures, they look really beautiful and serene. Although for others, the bridge is a plus, for me it would be a reason not to go since I’m afraid of heights 😀
You and me both Renata! I didn’t enjoy actually crossing the suspension bridge, but I was glad I did it.
Wow, that is absolutely stunning! I used to live in Oregon, but never heard of this. I hope I can visit again some day and check this out!
Oh I hope you get to, too! Drift Creek Falls is one of the most gorgeous spots in Oregon.
The Drift Creek Falls hike looks really spectacular. The suspension bridge makes the hike really special. Looking at the bridge reminded me of a hike to a suspension bridge in Rwanda, Africa. The views from the bridge too look really nice. The best part is that the hike can be done with family as the going looks quite moderate.
Wow, I’d love to hike a suspension bridge in Rwanda! I did a treetop canopy walk in Ghana that included many hanging bridges – I was more than a bit nervous!
I spent a lot of time in Oregon over the last couple of years but never did this trail, I definitely need to go back! Thank you for sharing
Drift Creek Falls trail is a bit off the beaten path but as you can see, it’s well worth the side trip! I hope you get to hike it next time you’re in Oregon.
Oregon is such an incredible state! This hike looks so much fun (I love suspension bridges) and Drift Creek Falls looks beautiful! I cannot wait to visit Oregon and use this when planning a hike to Drift Creek Falls!
It’s true. The PNW is hands-down gorgeous, and I love sharing the beautiful hikes in Oregon, my home state.
What a lovely looking hike! And impressive views to effort ratio! Definitely hope to explore more of the PNW!
I love the idea of that ratio—I’m going to start using that!
This looks incredible! I love a walk in the woods, waterfalls, and rivers—but that suspension bridge…Wow! I can almost feel the adrenaline rush just reading about it! LOL. You can bet I’d be holding tight to the railings (I’m not a fan of heights), but I know the photos standing on the bridge would be amazing and so worth it. Next time I’m in Oregon, this tops my itinerary.
You and me both Jackie! My knuckles were white from holding onto the railings so hard. But you’re right, the suspension bridge and views make it all worth the effort… and nerves. 😉
Wow, wow, wow! I’ve only been to the PNW once, and we concentrated our time on Washington. I’m regretting that we didn’t visit Oregon and Idaho. I live in flat Florida, so we don’t get to experience hiking like this in our state. This hike looks incredible!
Wow, Oregon is definitely a lot different landscape than Florida. I hope you get a chance to explore the PNW more!