DC 001
Location: 44.9356573, -123.8554522
12-APR-09 9:48:27AM
Drift Creek Trailhead
DC 002
Location: 44.934759, -123.8533727
12-APR-09 10:03:07AM
Big tree stump
DC 003
Location: 44.9374318, -123.8534164
12-APR-09 10:12:34AM
Footbridge 1
DC 004
Location: 44.9375162, -123.8531386
12-APR-09 11:42:48AM
Bench for resting, or a quiet meditative break. Here you can sit and listen to the rain drip down from the trees.
DC 005
Location: 44.9373767, -123.8528214
12-APR-09 10:17:00AM
Junction with North Loop. Very well marked. North Loop adds length and elevation to the trip; the path is narrow and though it is obvious, this time of year there was still a lot of blowdown from winter storms.
DC 006
Location: 44.936445, -123.8495312
12-APR-09 10:21:40AM
Hazard; trail partially washed out, drop-off. Keep kids and dogs close to you.
DC 007
Location: 44.937092, -123.848822
12-APR-09 10:24:48AM
Creek Access.
DC 008
Location: 44.9368893, -123.8484506
12-APR-09 10:22:10AM
Junction - North trail loop
DC 009
Location: 44.9368495, -123.8485812
Spring.
DC 010
Location: 44.9365905, -123.8489619
12-APR-09 10:28:02AM
Footbridge over Drift Creek.
DC 011
Location: 44.9333212, -123.8504165
12-APR-09 10:36:16AM
Suspension Bridge
DC 012
Location: 44.9328292, -123.8501916
12-APR-09 10:42:21AM
Suspension Bridge
DC 013
Location: 44.9323251, -123.8513814
Flowers.
DC 014
Location: 44.9326652, -123.8511631
12-APR-09 10:55:32AM
Picnic table and benches carved out of fallen tree material
DC 015
Location: 44.9329062, -123.8511384
12-APR-09 10:54:48AM
Creek Access with lower views of falls, pool, and bridge.
DC 016
Location: 44.93727, -123.8481652
12-APR-09 11:13:06AM
So starts the North loop; nothing you can't step over, duck under, or wade through.
DC 017
Location: 44.93913, -123.8503999
12-APR-09 11:24:09AM
Footbridge over trail; beautiful yellow flowers that look like calla lillies (skunk cabbage?) were growing here where the forest is more dense, and darker.
Trailhead
Location: 44.9357015, -123.8554001
Don't forget your NW Forest pass, or bring $5 exact change for the day use fee.
Big stump
Location: 44.9350028, -123.8532543
Mossy Oregon goodness
Location: 44.9374445, -123.8534313
The creek under the first footbridge.
North Trail junction
Location: 44.9374255, -123.8527393
Very well marked.
trail hazard
Location: 44.9364952, -123.8494992
creek access
Location: 44.9371331, -123.8487536
North Trail Junction
Location: 44.9369053, -123.8484183
Though there is a signpost marking the junction, the sign itself is nowhere to be found.
Spring along the trail
Location: 44.9368711, -123.8485336
Footbridge
Location: 44.9366281, -123.8488984
Suspension Bridge
Location: 44.9333888, -123.8503736
Suspended
Location: 44.9331192, -123.8502824
View on the bridge
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.9330185, -123.8505507
View from the bridge
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.9329634, -123.8506123
view from the bridge
Flowers
Location: 44.9323311, -123.8513526
Picnic area
Location: 44.9326843, -123.8511676
Picnic table and benches carved out of fallen tree material
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.9329748, -123.8505319
Falls in full force; bridge in background for scale
Footbridge with tree
Location: 44.9372755, -123.8481581
Though not old growth, you can still see some massive stumps of Oregon's larger trees. Moss covers everything, and the trail can be slick in parts if you're going in the spring when the rain is still feeding the falls.
The first option on this hike is an out-and-back, easy 1.5 mile trail straight to the falls and back out again. The path is wide and well maintained, with footbridges to eliminate creek fords and benches for the weary and / or meditative. There is only 380 feet of elevation gain if you stay on this main trail. Take a lunch, the pooch, and the kids for a picnic at the end. Those with vertigo may have a bit of trouble with the bridge though, as it spans ~100 feet in height over the creek and sways back and forth ever so gently as you cross. It is well fenced in to keep people from falling off the edge though; just don't lean out over the railing too far in your attempt to take pictures of the rushing waterfall off to your right. The picnic area is at the pool below the falls, across the bridge.
The second option adds a few miles and some extra elevation gain for those who want a bit more of a workout, and some different scenery on the way out. Though it never opens into vista views, the North trail loop adds a bit more touch of wild since this trail is poorly maintained, half the width of the main trail, and does not appear to be travelled much. It is quite easy to follow, however, and connects back with the main trail without any forks.
ADD A COMMENT