Feline like a hike?
The trail at Drift Creek Falls is the cat’s meow
A passing cat strikes a pose in front of Drift Creek Falls
By Naima Baker
For the TODAY
Deeply nestled in the old growth woods east of Lincoln City lies an aquatic gem. A waterfall of impressive magnitude that is surprisingly close to the coast, Drift Creek Falls attracts curious newcomers and seasoned locals. Get your hiking gear on and get ready for a drive up the ridge.
From Highway 101, Drift Creek Road's south entrance has reopened, sporting a new smoothly paved road all the way to the trailhead. Or approach from the north and brave the gravel backroads of Schooner Creek, offering scenic views of the main source of drinking water for all of Lincoln City and also a favorite local spot for fishing. There are several water holes along Schooner Creek to cast your line and test your luck but be careful not to confuse your destination with North Fork Schooner Creek Fish Passage Weir, located shortly after mile marker seven. A place where many navigation systems erroneously guide waterfall enthusiasts, the fish ladder is an interesting detour on the way. Take a short jaunt, leash optional for dogs, to see the corridor of underwater cement steps that allow determined salmon to jump past a dammed area of the creek. Follow the winding road past Fern Sword Creek all the way to the fork, take a hard U-turn-like right, and signs for Drift Creek Falls Trailhead will guide you the rest of the way.
At the trailhead parking lot there is a bathroom and a map that is worth checking out. Take note of the North Loop diversion and avoid it, unless you desire some extra off-the-beaten path hiking. Time to get your canine friends on a leash, or even the exceptional feline. Melanie, a local from Newport, loves taking her shiny, all-black cat Neko on this lovely waterfall walk.
"We've travelled to many national parks together,” she said. “He's just so calm and patient.”
Continuing on the mostly downhill descent to the falls, there is ample greenery for the eye to behold. Under the tall moss-covered alders and Sitka spruce trees, there is an undergrowth of salal, salmonberry and sorrel, or perhaps even a four-leaf clover. Inhale a waft of the warm breeze perfumed with a honeyed floral scent reminiscent of berry blossoms, or gulp in the crisp fresh air on cooler days. Experienced mushroom hunters might spot different varieties of fungi, including some edible varieties like oyster and lobster. Watch your feet for twisting tree roots, rocks and the occasional passing banana slug.
After about 1.5 miles, hikers will hear the great rush of water cascading more than 75 feet down into a basalt basin below. The almost-250-foot-long suspension bridge comes into view before the waterfall itself. As you cross the longest suspension bridge in Oregon, know that even if it swings a bit, it can support up to 165,000 pounds so you can feel safe to stop and peer down 100 feet to the canyon floor. Photo ops abound around this magnificent spectacle as excited hikers pose in front of the awesome background.
Descending further leads to the base pool, complete with a picnic table, more fantastic views and likely a visit from a very friendly chipmunk, probably familiar with snacks and scraps left behind. Feeding the wildlife is prohibited, but that doesn't make these up-close furry visits any less cute. In warmer weather some avid swimmers take a dip in the shallow swimming hole and when the rocks are dry, more adventurous climbers can reach the boulder that sits just in front of the falling water, a stunning spot for pictures and close enough to feel the cleansing, energizing spray from this great force of nature. In the winter months, though the rocks are too slippery to safely navigate, the view is even more incredible as the Oregon Coast rains intensify the volume of water crashing down and ionizing the air.
Take a breath, take it all in and take a rest before the mostly uphill journey back. The more strenuous return might seem longer but the invigorating experience will stay with you long after, making the distance more than worth it to behold one the most beautiful sites the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Drift Creek Falls Trail is located on BLM Rd 1770 in Otis. Day use only parking is from sunrise to sunset with a $5 parking fee.