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Drift Creek Falls

© Wayne R. Brown

The trail is in much better shape than the road. It cuts across the face of the valley wall and gradually descends toward the valley floor. It is rather straight and unremarkable, but a pleasant walk. Eventually, it crosses a charming little creek. Here the terrain and the trail become a little more varied and interesting. Before long, you are again at a creek. And then you come to the suspension bridge.

The narrow bridge crosses Drift Creek Canyon. One moment you're on level ground. The next you're suspended high above the canyon. It's an exhilerating experience that is further enhanced by the hundred foot waterfall right next to the bridge.

There is a picnic table at the far end of the bridge. There is also a trail that meanders down to creek's edge just opposite where the waterfall pours into the canyon. Enjoy. All too soon it will be time for the hike back up that long hill to the parking lot and your car.

My own experience was that Bear Creek Road seemed awfully long. It took longer to reach the traihead than I'd expected. The hike in also seemed to take longer than I'd planned. Of course, we got a late start and were concerned about finishing the hike before dark.

The suspension bridge and waterfall were well worth the hike. For me, as much as I like waterfalls, the bridge and canyon were the more exciting attractions. We tried to hike down to the creek, but the trail on the far side of the bridge deteriorates considerably. The trail was damp and slick and just too dangerous. We turned back. But I will return on a summer day when the trail has had a chance to dry out.

We hit the trail out pretty hard. Again, we were racing the sunset. And while I was carrying my handy little LED flashlight, we were hoping not to have to use it.

As far as other area attractions, I can think of two. The first is Lincoln City. This coastal town has miles of beaches and several, fun, touristy shops in which to spend some of your hard-earned cash. They also have Moe's, which is the place to go for clam chowder.

Then, of course, there is the Spirit Mountain Casino on the way back toward Portland. I'm not much of a gambler, but I've been known to drop some tokens into the various racing and other games in the arcade. The really awesome thing about Spirit Mountain is the Coyote Cafe. The buffet there is awesome. So far, I've only gone on Wednesday nights which is seafood night. Where else can you eat all of the baked salmon, steamer clams, boiled prawns, prime rib, mashed potatoes, salad, and too many other foods to remember for twelve dollars? Yes, I said twelve dollars. At least that was the price the last time I went. It is not uncommon to stand in line for an hour waiting to get a seat, but the food is well worth the wait.