Drift Creek Falls in OregonDrift Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge, image via The Author

Oregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Lincoln City

Drift Creek Falls

Drift Creek Falls 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.

Get directionsCheck official alerts
  • DifficultyModerate
  • AccessHike
  • Round trip3 mi
  • Nearest townLincoln City

The place

Why Drift Creek Falls is worth the stop

Drift Creek Falls is a public waterfall destination near Lincoln City, set where Coast Range forest drains toward the Pacific. The visit is best understood as a 3-mile round-trip hike rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.

What the experience feels like

Expect 3-mile round-trip hike with a moderate difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.

From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this area.

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
Parking
Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
Fees or passes
Federal recreation pass or day-use fee may be required
Road conditions
Narrow paved and gravel forest road
Facts reviewed
Editorial verification required before production

Verify access, fees, permits, and alerts with the responsible land manager

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.

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near the central Oregon Coast

For Mapleton and remote Coast Range trailheads, Florence or Reedsport usually offers the most dependable services. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.

Keep exploring

Other waterfalls nearby

Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.

Make a day of it

More around Lincoln City

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