It had been 4 years since my last trip to Drift Creek Falls. Home to one of Oregon’s most infamous suspension bridges, Drift Creek Falls is one you want to add to your list.
I suggest planning your trip to Pacific City and making this hike part of your day trip or venture on the way home.
On this blog you can plan your trip to Drift Creek Falls and know how to plan accordingly. Let’s get into it!
Where is Drift Creek Falls?
Google maps might lead you to “drift creek falls” in Salem-but this is incorrect. Be sure to use the Drift Creek Falls on google that has (trailhead) by it, and it is close to Lincoln City, OR.
The road up to the trailhead is quite windy, so it takes about 30 minutes off any main road to get up to the trailhead. I promise it is worth it!
This area doesn’t typically get snow so you can access it year round.
From Eugene: 2.5 hours
From Portland: 2 hours and 20 minutes
What to Expect?
We completed this hike in 1.5 hours. It really depends if you want to hike down to the base of the falls, and how much time you want to spend there.
Hike: 3.2 miles round trip
View: lush green forest with basalt columns below suspension bridge
Elevation: 350 feet
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Facilities: Restroom at trailhead
Fees: $5 fee for parking; bring cash
Best time to visit: During the week in the spring when the falls have been getting a lot of rain. This is popular spot for good reason so it does get busy.
History of the Bridge
The suspension bridge is 240 feet long and sits over 100 feet above the creek. And yes, it sways as you walk on it! As a courtesy for others wait until they cross before you do, although there doesn’t seem to be a weight limit.
The construction started in 1997 by Mr. Scott Paul. He started with two 29 feet towers anchored by bolts hold the bridge into the ground! The bridge is dedicated to Scott Paul, who was a trail builder for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The reason why it is dedicated to him is because he died during the construction of this bridge. After he passed it was finished by a company who specializes in bridge building. It took a large effort to complete this task including a helicopter flying in the large pieces of concrete.
Truly a magical place that will always remember the drive Mr. Paul had to complete the project.
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