Drift Creek Falls

Drift Creek Falls is a 75-foot plunge hidden in the mossy depths of the Oregon Coast Range, but the real showpiece is the 240-foot suspension bridge that spans the canyon 100 feet above the forest floor on the approach. The bridge sways gently underfoot as hikers peer down through the steel grating at the treetops below, then look ahead to where the North Fork of Drift Creek drops into a basalt gorge surrounded by towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock draped in emerald moss.

The 3.2-mile round-trip trail descends through ancient Coast Range forest, crossing the dramatic suspension bridge at the 1.25-mile mark before continuing another quarter mile down to the base of the falls. The return trip requires climbing back up, making the hike moderately challenging despite the short distance. The trail surface is well-maintained packed gravel with wooden steps in the steeper sections.

Visit in winter or spring when rain-fed flows are at their peak and the surrounding forest is at its most lush. The trailhead road (Forest Road 17) can be rough but is passable for most vehicles. This is one of the best family-friendly waterfall hikes on the Oregon Coast — the suspension bridge alone is worth the trip for kids.