Siuslaw National Forest · Lincoln County, Oregon
Drift Creek Falls Trail
Trail at a Glance
Distance
3 mi
Round trip (out & back)
Duration
1.5–2 hrs
Typical hiking time
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for all levels
Elevation Gain
~400 ft
Gradual descent to falls
Waterfall Height
75 ft
+ 100 ft suspension bridge
Day Pass
$5
Or NW Forest Pass
Dogs
Welcome
On leash at all times
Season
Year-Round
Go early on weekends
The Drift Creek Falls Trail is one of Oregon’s most rewarding easy hikes, a low-effort, high-payoff 3-mile round trip that leads through lush coastal forest to a 75-foot waterfall and an iconic 100-foot suspension bridge. I’ve hiked it twice now, once in summer and once mid-winter, and both times it completely delivered.
What I love about it is the payoff-to-effort ratio. You’re not grinding up switchbacks for hours. The trail winds down through old-growth coastal forest, the suspension bridge appears almost out of nowhere above the falls, and suddenly you’re standing 100 feet up looking straight down at a waterfall. It’s the kind of trail you bring people to when you want to impress them without destroying them.
It’s a very low-effort, high-reward trail. You can get spectacularly close to the falls, from the bridge above and the base below, without any serious climbing. The suspension bridge is genuinely jaw-dropping the first time you step onto it.
Will, Oregon Tails · Hiked June 2020 & December 2021Trail Visit Log
Personal notes from our visits. Conditions vary seasonally.
- Jun 2020 Summer crowds but manageable at 8am. Bridge views were pristine. Trail dry except for a short muddy stretch near the falls base. Parking lot was 70% full by 9:30am.
- Dec 2021 Winter visit: the falls were dramatically fuller with much higher water volume. Trail was muddy throughout. Waterproof boots essential. Very few other hikers. NF-17 gravel road had soft shoulders after recent rain, so drive slowly.
- Apr 2026 Trail verified open. Parking fee still $5 / NW Forest Pass. Conditions were good. Trailhead bulletin board had updated wildlife notices.
Where is Drift Creek Falls in Oregon?
The Drift Creek Falls trailhead is located in Lincoln County, Oregon, near the small community of Otis, roughly 10 miles east of Lincoln City. It sits within the Siuslaw National Forest. I’ve driven out from Portland both times, which is about 2 hours, which is honestly a great length for a day trip. It doesn’t feel like a slog to get there, and the drive through the coast range on Highway 18 is pretty in its own right.
GPS Coordinates: 44.93235, -123.85197
📋 Official sources: Trail information verified against the USFS Siuslaw National Forest trail page and AllTrails listing. Fee and access information last verified April 2026.
Getting to the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead
To reach the trailhead, take Highway 18 toward Lincoln City, then turn onto N Bear Creek Road, and finally onto National Forest Road 17 (NF-17). Follow NF-17 to the signed trailhead parking area. The turn off NF-17 is easy to miss the first time, so slow down once you’re on Bear Creek Road and watch for the forest service signs.
Heads up: Cell service drops out almost completely once you turn onto NF-17. I learned this the hard way on my first visit: download the map below or save the GPS coordinates offline before you leave home.
The parking lot holds roughly 20 cars. On my summer visit I pulled in around 8am and got one of the last spots. By the time I finished the hike around 10am, cars were lined up on the road shoulder. If you’re going on a weekend between June and September, I’d genuinely aim for 8–8:30am. My winter visit in December was a completely different story: maybe 4 other cars in the lot the whole time I was there.
About the Drift Creek Falls Trail
The trail is rated easy and I’d agree with that. There’s about 400 feet of elevation change, and almost all of it is on the return trip as you hike back up from the falls. Going down, you barely notice it. The path is well-trodden packed dirt through dense coastal forest. After rain it gets muddy in patches, particularly the last stretch before the falls. My summer visit was mostly dry. My December visit was muddy the whole way, not dangerously so, but enough that I was glad I wore waterproof boots.
The Suspension Bridge
The trail’s showstopper is the 100-foot suspension bridge that crosses directly over the falls. Standing on the bridge gives you an aerial view straight down at the 75-foot waterfall, easily one of the best photo spots in all of coastal Oregon. The bridge is engineered to support 165,000 pounds, so it’s solid underfoot even if it sways a little.
The moment you step onto the bridge and look down: that’s the shot. Whether it’s June with the forest in full green or December with the falls roaring after rain, it stops you in your tracks every time.
Will, Oregon TailsThe Waterfall Itself
You can also follow a spur trail to the base of the falls and stand directly beneath the cascade, and I’d strongly recommend doing it. The perspective from below is completely different from the bridge. You’re looking up at 75 feet of falling water surrounded by columnar basalt walls, and in winter the mist hits you almost immediately. It’s one of those spots where you just stop talking.
The Geology
The waterfall sits within a basalt canyon formed by ancient volcanic flows, which explains why the rock walls look so dramatic and angular. I’m not a geologist, but even casually you can see the columnar basalt formations layered behind the falls, and it gives the whole area a texture that’s distinct from your typical Oregon waterfall hike in the best possible way.
Extending the Hike
If the 3-mile round trip feels too short (we did it in about 1 hour 50 minutes at a relaxed pace with time at the falls), you can tack on the 1-mile North Loop Trail for a 4-mile total. The North Loop goes deeper into old-growth forest where you’ll find vine maple, huckleberry, salmonberry, sword ferns, and various coastal shrubs. It’s quieter than the main trail and worth the extra 30 minutes if you have them.
Drift Creek Falls Trail Map
Cell service is unreliable on NF-17, as I mentioned, I lost it almost immediately after turning off Bear Creek Road. The official USFS trail map below covers both the main Drift Creek Falls trail and the North Loop extension. They sometimes have printed copies at the trailhead bulletin board, but it’s a popular trail and they run out. Download it before you leave.
Includes North Loop extension, trail distances, and points of interest
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parking is limited: the lot holds about 20 cars. Arrive early, especially on summer weekends (weekends fill up by 11am–noon).
- Day use fee: $5, payable at the trailhead. An Annual NW Forest Pass is accepted. America the Beautiful and Interagency passes also work.
- Restroom available at the trailhead, a vault toilet.
- Dogs are welcome but must be on-leash at all times. Keep a firm grip on the leash when crossing the suspension bridge and near the base of the falls, where the trail gets wet and the drop-off is significant.
- The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Trekking poles are useful if you plan to hike to the base of the falls.
- No cell service on NF-17. Download offline maps or save the GPS coordinates (44.93235, -123.85197) before leaving.
- Open year-round. The falls are gorgeous in winter with higher water volume, but the gravel access road can be slippery, so drive cautiously after heavy rain or frost.
- Pack out your trash and stay on the marked trail. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout the Siuslaw National Forest.
Because the trail can get muddy, I’d bring waterproof boots and trekking poles if you’re planning to scramble down to the base of the falls, as the last section gets slick. If Drift Creek Falls gets you hooked on chasing waterfalls in Oregon (fair warning: it will), check out our roundup of the best waterfall hikes in the PNW.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions people have before hiking the Drift Creek Falls Trail.
The Drift Creek Falls trail is 3 miles round trip (out-and-back). Most hikers complete it in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and how long you spend at the falls. If you add the North Loop extension, the total distance becomes about 4 miles.
✓ Verified April 2026 · Oregon TailsThe trail has an elevation gain of approximately 400 feet. Most of it comes on the way back, as you hike out from the falls. The descent to the falls is gradual and not technically challenging. This makes it accessible for families, older hikers, and casual trail walkers.
Drift Creek Falls trail is rated easy. The path is well-maintained, not overly steep, and accessible for most fitness levels. The only minor challenge is the uphill return from the falls, which is still gentle. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly waterfall hikes in Oregon.
Yes, the trail is open year-round. However, always check current conditions before going: the gravel access road (NF-17) can be challenging during or after heavy rain, and may have seasonal closures due to storm damage. In winter, the falls tend to have more dramatic water volume.
Not entirely. The road leading to the trailhead starts paved, but the final stretch on NF-17 is a gravel road. Most standard passenger vehicles can handle it, but drive cautiously, especially after wet weather. Deeper puddles and soft shoulders can be present after heavy rain. High-clearance vehicles aren’t required under normal conditions.
Drift Creek Falls is located in Lincoln County, Oregon, near the town of Otis and about 10 miles east of Lincoln City. It’s part of the Siuslaw National Forest. GPS coordinates: 44.93235, -123.85197. From Portland, it’s approximately 2 hours; from Salem, about 1.5 hours.
Yes, and it’s the trail’s most iconic feature. The 100-foot-tall suspension bridge hangs directly above the 75-foot waterfall, giving hikers an extraordinary aerial view. The bridge is rated to support 165,000 pounds, so while it sways slightly, it’s structurally very solid. Walking across it is perfectly safe and gives you the best photo angle of the falls.
Yes. There is a $5 day use fee payable at the trailhead. An Annual NW Forest Pass covers you, as does the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. There’s no online reservation required; just pay when you park.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Drift Creek Falls trail. They must be kept on a leash at all times. Be especially careful with dogs on the suspension bridge (it sways) and near the base of the falls, where the trail gets wet and slippery near the water’s edge. Always clean up after your pet.
No, these are two different places. Drift Creek Falls is in Siuslaw National Forest near Lincoln City, Oregon. Fall Creek Falls is a separate waterfall located in the Fall Creek State Recreation Area in central Oregon. If you’re planning a trip, double-check your destination before heading out.
Disclosure: Oregon Tails may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this post (like Amazon gear links) at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we’ve personally used on the trail. Trail fee, access, and condition information in this guide was verified by the Oregon Tails team during our most recent visit in April 2026.