LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — In a move that’s already being called “the biggest breakthrough in outdoor recreation since paved parking lots,” a new service along the Oregon Coast is now offering visitors a chance to experience one of the state’s most iconic viewpoints… without participating in literally any of the hike required to get there.

The company, Summit Assist, officially launched this week at God’s Thumb, quietly positioning helicopters just out of sight of the trailhead while marketing the experience as a “natural progression in accessible adventure.”

For $249 per person, guests can now be gently hoisted by a professional-grade airlift system and delivered directly to the very tip of the cliff, where they are immediately encouraged to “take a moment, breathe deeply, and pretend you earned this.”

“We’re not cutting corners,” said founder Chad Merriweather, adjusting a branded windbreaker while a helicopter idled behind him. “We’re just… removing unnecessary steps. Specifically, all of them.”

According to Merriweather, the idea came after observing hikers over the years.

“You’d see people about halfway up, really reflecting on their life choices,” he said. “We thought, what if we honored that moment… by eliminating it entirely?”

The service includes several tiers, ranging from the basic “Just Get Me Up There” package to the more premium “Influencer Arrival,” which times your descent onto the summit with golden-hour lighting and optional wind effects for dramatic hair movement.

For an additional fee, guests can upgrade to the “Already Been Hiking” Bundle, which includes a light misting of water, a slightly elevated heart rate (simulated), and a staff member who will loudly say, “Wow, you made it!” as you step onto the viewpoint.

Early customers have praised the experience.

“It felt authentic,” said one visitor while reviewing photos on their phone. “By the time I got up there, I was emotionally tired, which is basically the same thing.”

Others appreciated the efficiency.

“We did three hikes before lunch,” said another guest. “I mean technically none of them, but still.”

The company has also leaned into current wellness trends, offering what they call a “Holistic Outdoor Reset” package, which pairs the airlift with a complimentary smoothie and a brief conversation about metabolism.

“We’re not saying anything,” Merriweather clarified carefully. “We’re just saying people are busy, and sometimes the journey is… negotiable.”

Not everyone is thrilled. A small group of traditional hikers gathered near the trailhead this week, watching as another helicopter lowered a guest onto the ridge.

One longtime local shook his head.

“I used to come here for the solitude,” he said. “Now there’s a line in the sky.”

Back at the summit, however, guests appeared unbothered, taking in sweeping ocean views while carefully positioning themselves for photos.

At one point, a staff member gently reminded a group to stagger their poses.

“We just ask that you give the appearance of having arrived separately,” she said. “It helps maintain the illusion.”

Despite some criticism, Summit Assist says demand is already exceeding expectations, with weekend slots booked out weeks in advance.

“We’re expanding to other locations soon,” Merriweather confirmed. “Cape Kiwanda, Multnomah Falls, maybe even Crater Lake.”

He paused, watching another perfectly timed airlift glide toward the cliff.

“Look, people don’t want to skip nature,” he said. “They just want to skip… the parts between the parking lot and the view.”