Summary
This is a great quick trial for the non-seasoned hiker. The trail is 3 miles round trip. You can view this 75 foot horsetail type waterfall from a 240 foot suspension bridge that is 100 feet above the creek. This trail is accessible year round but to the best time is in the spring and fall after the rains have put water in the falls. The total elevation is 929 feet at the start of the trailhead 630 feet at the suspension bridge and 532 feet at the River’s edge. There is vault toilet at the trailhead.
I'll work at getting some better pictures this year. All mine were taken in 1999 with a cheap point and shoot.
Getting There
Hwy 101 entry – Off Highway 101 south of Lincoln City, north of Salishan.
Travel east on Drift Creek Road, right on South Drift Creek Road ¼ mile. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 17. Stay on Forest Service Road 17 to trailhead, approximately, 10 miles.
Hwy 101/Highway 18 entry – At Hwy 101/18 junction travel east 4.5 miles on Hwy 18. Travel south on Bear Creek County Road 3.5 miles. Continue straight 7 miles on Forest Service Road 17 to trailhead.
Red Tape
You must have a NW trail Pass. $30 a year or $5 per car per day. You can always park a half mile away and avoid the Trail Pass but no guarantees you won't get a ticket.
External Links
Drift Creek Falls Trail 1378