Drift Creek Falls

Written George Foust

Front Desk / Wine Social Host at The Coho Oceanfront Lodge

      Leaving Lincoln City via Hwy 101 heading south; after approximately ¼ mile there is a turn to the left (large brown sign declaring Drift Creek Falls 12 miles); take this turn.  After about 2 miles you will come to a tee; turn left onto Road 17.  Proceed 10 miles via newly paved road to the trailhead.  There is a $5 fee or you can display your Forest Pass if you have one.

      There is a fairly level trail, a little over a mile in length, to reach Drift Creek Falls.  This path seems to wind thru fairly typical coastal range forest; but do not despair!  The trail abruptly opens up to the south end of the 240ft suspension bridge that spans Drift Creek Falls at 100ft above it.  This span is unique in that it is a 30” wide, foot suspension bridge with a stiffening plate.  For the faint of heart, it does sway slightly, but by daring the trek, you reach the trail on the other side that will take you to the bottom of the falls for a magnificent view of a 70ft waterfall.

      For those who have been to the falls before, a rock fall in August 2010 changed the falls from a horsetail configuration to a plunge falls and lowered the total height by about five feet.

      After returning to the trailhead, continue north on Road 17 for 7 miles.  By staying straight you will now be on Bear Creek Road.  Continue for another 3.5 miles and you will reach Hwy 18 at Rose Lodge.  Before turning on to Hwy 18, you may want to stop and take a look at the restored Drift Creek Covered Bridge at this location.