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Drift Creek Falls in the Oregon Coast Range. Photo by Danielle Denham / That Oregon Life.Oregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Lincoln City
Drift Creek Falls in Siuslaw National Forest
Drift Creek Falls in Siuslaw National Forest is a hike waterfall outing near Lincoln City in Oregon Coast and Coast Range. This guide rates the visit moderate and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.
- DifficultyModerate
- AccessHike
- Round trip3 mi
- Nearest townLincoln City
Quick answer
What should you know before hiking Drift Creek Falls?
Plan on a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike with about 490 feet of gain. The destination is a 75-foot waterfall viewed from a 240-foot suspension bridge and nearby trail viewpoints.
- Distance
3 miles round trip - Elevation gain
About 490 feet - Typical visit
About 2–3 hours - Fee
$5 or valid pass - Best strategy
Arrive early or later - Before leaving
Check Forest Service alerts
The trailhead road is narrow and winding, and winter storms or temporary work can affect access. Review the current Siuslaw National Forest alerts and the official Drift Creek Falls brochure before traveling.
The place
Why Drift Creek Falls in Siuslaw National Forest is worth the stop
Drift Creek Falls combines a fern-lined Coast Range trail, a high suspension bridge, and a 75-foot waterfall in one approachable half-day outing. The Forest Service lists the main route at 3 miles round trip with about 490 feet of elevation gain.
What the experience feels like
Expect a forest hike with roots, mud, wet bridges, and a noticeable return climb. The signature experience is the 240-foot suspension bridge about 100 feet above the canyon floor, with waterfall views from the crossing and lower trail viewpoints.
Visit details
Plan your trip
- Waterfall status
- Natural waterfall
- Public access
- Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
- Region
- Oregon Coast and Coast Range
- County
- Lincoln
- Nearest town
- Lincoln City
- Total height
- 75 ft, U.S. Forest Service
- Access type
- Hike
- Round-trip distance
- 3 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- About 490 ft
- Parking
- Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
- Fees or passes
- $5 day-use fee per vehicle or a valid federal recreation pass; verify current details
- Road conditions
- Narrow, winding forest-road approach; drive slowly and allow extra time
- Facts reviewed
- Reviewed September 2026 against the U.S. Forest Service brochure and Siuslaw National Forest alerts
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects hike access and approximately 3 mi round trip. Expect more effort or route complexity than a developed roadside viewpoint or very short walk.
EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.
Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.
That Oregon Life field photos
Drift Creek Falls trail and suspension bridge
Planning answers
Drift Creek Falls FAQ
How long is the Drift Creek Falls Trail?
The U.S. Forest Service lists the main hike at 3 miles round trip with about 490 feet of elevation gain. Allow roughly two to three hours for the trail, bridge, waterfall views, and photo stops.
How difficult is the Drift Creek Falls hike?
That Oregon Life rates it moderate. The mileage is approachable for many hikers, but the return climb, roots, mud, wet surfaces, and changing Coast Range weather require more preparation than a short developed viewpoint.
How tall is Drift Creek Falls and its suspension bridge?
Drift Creek Falls drops about 75 feet. The Forest Service brochure describes the suspension bridge as 240 feet long and approximately 100 feet above the canyon floor.
Is Drift Creek Falls open year-round?
The recreation site is generally managed for year-round use, but winter weather, storm damage, road work, logging, and temporary closures can affect access. Check current Siuslaw National Forest alerts before leaving.
Is there a fee to hike Drift Creek Falls?
The Forest Service visitor brochure lists a $5 day-use fee per vehicle, or a valid federal recreation pass. Confirm the current fee and accepted passes before your trip.
When should I arrive at the Drift Creek Falls trailhead?
Parking can fill early on weekends and during popular travel periods. Arriving early or later in the day improves the odds of finding a space, but never park outside signed areas or block the narrow approach road.
Is the Drift Creek suspension bridge the same as the Drift Creek Covered Bridge?
No. The suspension bridge on the Drift Creek Falls Trail and the historic Drift Creek Covered Bridge are different structures in different locations. Use the waterfall trailhead directions for this hike.
Independent local picks
Eat and stay near Lincoln City
For Mapleton and remote Coast Range trailheads, Florence or Reedsport usually offers the most dependable services. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.
Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill
An ocean-view Lincoln City standby for seafood and a comfortable sit-down meal.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRecommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.