DRIFT CREEK FALLS TRAIL©

(Click on photo for an enlarged or different view.)

Drift Creek Falls Trail is one of the newest and most popular Oregon central coast trails in the Siuslaw National Forest. In addition to the flora and fauna of other coastal trails, it boasts a spectacular 250-foot suspension bridge, an 80-foot waterfall, and close-up as well as bird's eye views of Drift Creek. (Click on link for directions to the trail.)

The route to the trailhead from Highway 101 though only 12 miles is a long nail-biting drive. It appears to be an old logging road that has been paved and re-paved. In many spots there is only room for one car and as logging is being conducted in the area it is not uncommon to come face to face, or grill to grill, with a logging truck as one rounds a curve. And there are numerous curves and an occasional washout. But the road, for all of its problems, is very well maintained and extensive re-paving and repairs were completed in late 2003 after the road was closed for quite a long period.

On the way to the trailhead you will pass recent clear cuts, euphemistically referred to as "temporary meadows," and replanted clear-cuts, easily recognizable by the uniformity of the trees that nature could never duplicate. Unfortunately, it is impossible to stop on the road and take pictures of these sights without risking your life.

Once leaving the generous parking lot and starting on the trail, hikers are immediately in forest habitat. The trail is 1 and 1/4 miles one-way and even though the trek is a steady descent, it is not very steep. And, of course, the return trip will be a steady ascent. It is an easy hike and a great place to take coast visitors and others who love to visit the forest but really don't like to work up a sweat hiking.

Typical Forest Trail

Down slope beside Trail

Sword Ferns Polystichum munitum

In addition to hundreds of Wood Violets and Trillium reported on other hikes, a few different early spring plants such as the Bitter Cress, Redwood Sorrel and Oyster Mushroom are seen. It seems something took a bite out of the mushroom.

Angled Bitter Cress Cardamine angulata

Redwood Sorrel Oxalis oregana

Angel's Wings/Oyster Mushroom Pleurocybella porrigens

Soon Drift Creek is heard from below the trail. In a few moments it flows right beside the trail and we pass over a heavy planked bridge to the other side. On March 23, 2004, the day of our hike, the creek was filled with run-off from winter storms.

Then an amazing and spectacular suspension bridge appears. One immediately wonders how and why this bridge was built at tremendous cost and effort in such a remote spot. Those who are not afraid of heights, and even those who are, should cross the bridge as the trail will not be fully appreciated until the opposite side is reached. (Click on link to view bridge history and facts.)

A view across

View from the trail

Drift Creek below

On the other side of the trail is a picnic table overlooking the creek and a peek at the falls. The mistake many make is assuming that the trail ends at this point, but it does not. One of the most fantastic sights is yet to come. Continuing on a trail beyond the table and faithfully following the switchback, rewards hikers with a spectacular sight and gives a hint as to at least one big reason the bridge was probably constructed in this particular place.

Drift Creek Falls From Trail's End

Drift Creek Falls Closer View From Trail

Drift Creek Falls From the Bridge

In early spring the falls are the most spectacular as water from the swollen creek cascades 80 feet from the top of the falls the creek bed below.

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