Drift Creek Falls in Oregon is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. With its picturesque setting and breathtaking views, it's no wonder why Drift Creek Falls is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or an adventure-filled weekend getaway, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your visit to Drift Creek Falls. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing Oregon oasis!
How to Get There
Drift Creek Falls is located in the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. To reach the falls, take Highway 6 west from Lincoln City to the Big Creek Road and turn right. Follow the road for about five miles until you see signs for Drift Creek Falls. From there, you can park your car in the designated lot and begin the short but relatively steep trail to the falls. The drift creek falls trail meanders through a lush old-growth forest and offers great views along the way.
The total hike is approximately 3.7 miles round-trip and is considered moderate difficulty. The trail features an accessible bridge across Drift Creek before ending at a viewing platform with stunning views of the 75-foot Drift Creek Falls.
What to Expect
Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass $30 or $5 a day.
Restroom: One vault toilet
Hike Length: 3.7 miles
Busy? Yes, busy in the summer.
Family Friendly? Yes, the hike is generally family friendly.
Visiting Drift Creek Falls in Oregon is an incredible experience you won’t want to miss. Located in the Siuslaw National Forest, the iconic 75-foot-high Drift Creek Falls plunges into a pool surrounded by lush forest.
Once at the top, visitors will be rewarded with views of the waterfall as well as the surrounding beauty. At the foot of the waterfall, you’ll find a large pool of water, perfect for swimming and soaking up the views. Be careful, however, as the current is quite strong and it can be dangerous.
Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the lush greenery and the sheer size of Drift Creek Falls. The rocky cliffs around the pool provide great spots for picnics, or just to sit back and take in the views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the trail – deer, elk, and even bears can be spotted here.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk or an invigorating hike, visiting Drift Creek Falls in Oregon is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Drift Creek Falls Trail
The Drift Creek Falls Trail is a popular 3.7-mile hike in Oregon's Siuslaw National Forest. The trail takes you to the magnificent Drift Creek Falls, which is surrounded by lush forest and spans a 120-foot canyon along a suspension bridge. Along the way, hikers can take in views of a suspension bridge across the canyon, giving them a unique perspective of the area.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
3.7 miles | 900 feet | 2 hours | 2/10 |
The elevation gain is backward on the way to the falls, but the well-graded trail makes it fairly easy. The trail is timbered in 70-year-old regrowth of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and a few Sitka spruce, with an interesting study of the forest healing itself.
For those wanting to explore more of the area, there is a North Loop option that reduces the hiking distance by half a mile. This route is not as well maintained as the main trail and has more elevation gain, but includes some old-growth forest.
The North Loop route starts at the base of Drift Creek Falls and winds its way up through gullies, crossing over several footbridges and taking in spectacular views of old growth Douglas-firs and hemlocks. It rejoins the main trail in 0.8 miles.
Following the North Fork of Drift Creek, the trail crosses a footbridge with a bench on the opposite side, which is the perfect place to stop and admire the view. The bridge is sturdy but can be intimidating to those uncomfortable with heights. On the other side of the bridge, hikers will find themselves surrounded by a recovering forest of young conifers draped in moss and lichens.
The trail continues until hikers are suddenly faced with the 66-foot plunge of Drift Creek Falls into a basalt gorge below a suspension bridge. There is a picnic area and a photogenic view of the falls with a bench and boulders along the stream.
The trail traverses up above the North Fork of Drift Creek before leveling out into a secondary forest. Hikers need to stay left at the upper junction with the North Loop to return to their vehicles. Visitors should take care to follow the directions closely when visiting Drift Creek Falls in Oregon so as not to get lost in this dense coastal forest.
Things to Do Nearby
Drift Creek Falls in Oregon is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you're looking for things to do around Drift Creek Falls, you won't be disappointed. Here are some suggestions for things to do near Drift Creek Falls:
Go on a Nature Walk: The Drift Creek Falls area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and even bears in some cases. Take a leisurely walk through the area and spot some of these animals in their natural habitats.
Go Fishing: Drift Creek is home to some great spots for fishing. With steelhead, chinook salmon, and other fish in abundance, you're sure to have a great day out on the river. Just make sure to check with local officials about regulations before heading out.
Visit Nearby Waterfalls: In addition to the magnificent Drift Creek Falls, there are several other waterfalls in the area that are worth exploring. Beaver Creek Falls, Rock Creek Falls, and Lower Salt Creek Falls are all within easy driving distance and make for an excellent day trip.
No matter what you decide to do near Drift Creek Falls in Oregon, you're sure to find something that piques your interest. With so many activities and natural wonders to explore, this destination has something for everyone!
Nearby Waterfalls
Oregon is home to many incredible waterfalls and those visiting Drift Creek Falls are in for a treat. There are several spectacular waterfalls within a short distance of the Drift Creek Falls Trail.
Tunnel Falls
Just a few miles west of Drift Creek Falls lies Tunnel Falls, one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Oregon. Standing at 181 feet high, this powerful fall is made up of two tiers and is accessible via the Eagle Creek Trail.
Devil’s Rest Falls
Devil’s Rest Falls is another fantastic waterfall that visitors to Drift Creek Falls shouldn’t miss out on. Located along the same Eagle Creek Trail, this beautiful cascading fall stands at an impressive 144 feet tall.
Silver Star Creek Falls
Silver Star Creek Falls is also worth checking out if you’re in the area. This stunning waterfall measures 170 feet tall and can be reached by a 1.2-mile hike from the top of the ridge.
Punchbowl Falls
Finally, Punchbowl Falls is also close by and a great spot to take in more of Oregon’s natural beauty. This iconic waterfall flows through a rock amphitheater and can be reached by a 3.6-mile round-trip hike. With a height of 74 feet, Punchbowl Falls is smaller than some of the other waterfalls near Drift Creek Falls but no less majestic.
Facts about Drift Creek Falls
Drift Creek Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall located in the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. It stands at a height of 75 feet and is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state. It's easily accessible by a short, 1.5-mile trail that starts off Drift Creek Road.
The plunge pool at the bottom of the falls is usually filled with people swimming and enjoying the picturesque views. The area surrounding the falls is lush and green, featuring towering Douglas fir trees, alder shrubs, and a variety of ferns.
It's one of the best places to visit if you want to experience a real piece of Oregon's beauty. The Drift Creek Falls Trail is an easy hike for all skill levels and offers plenty of scenic views. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from the top of the falls.
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