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Drift Creek Falls

© Wayne R. Brown

It hasn't been easy trying to put out monthly hiking articles this last year. I have a job that typically requires sixty hours of my time on a slow week. The weather isn't always cooperative. And, in order to write an article, I must first spend anywhere from half a day to a full day driving to a new hiking spot, hiking, and then driving home. This is pretty challenging sometimes. Still, last weekend, I managed to get in a hike and now I'm here to tell you about it.

Drift Creek Falls is located in the Coast Range of western Oregon. It's a few miles inland from Lincoln City in some really pretty country. The trail is well maintained, except at the very end, and should be suitable for most hikers. The three mile round trip, however, and the long climb back out, may be too much for young children, the elderly, or those in poor physical condition.

To get to Drift Creek Falls from the Portland area, take 1-5 south, then Highway 99 west through Tigard, Sherwood, and Newberg. Take Highway 18, which bypasses McMinnvillle, toward the coast and Lincoln City. You will pass the towns of Sheridan and Willamina. Resist the temptation to stop at the Spirit Mountain Casino (I've heard it's now Oregon's biggest tourist draw) and continue on highway 18 toward Lincoln City. You'll pass through the Van Doozer Corridor. About 5 miles before reaching Highway 101, you will pass through Rose Lodge. On the far side, turn left onto Bear Creek Road. This turns into Road 17. Follow this winding road for eight miles. At every major fork in the road there is a sign to point you toward the trailhead.

Some words of caution about the road are in order. Most of it is paved. Some sections are gravel. It is one of the curviest, one lane roads you are ever likely to drive. In several places the road surface is cracked with one side a few inches lower than the other.

Here is something else to consider. The going is slow and you do a lot of climbing. This is a good road to overheat on if your car's radiator isn't in good shape. The performance of my car's radiator is less than stellar. I'm glad I left it at home and took my truck. When it comes to steep hills and hot weather, my little Nissan's attitude is "bring it on".