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Drift Creek Falls
An easy hike through wet, lush, Oregon Forest leading to a suspension bridge and cascading waterfall. Don't let the road that crosses the trail on the map fool you; there are only trees there now.
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| Author: | echolynn |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Oregon (OR) |
| Distance: | 7.47 mi |
| Average Speed: | 3.4 mph - 0:17:41/mi |
| Duration: | 2:12:07 |
| Difficulty: | 3 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
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.
TO TRAILHEAD: 1.5 hours from Salem, take 22 / 18 East to Bear Creek Road and turn left. 9 miles S. along this well-marked single lane & turnout paved road bring you to the trailhead. Don't forget to stop at the Drift Creek Covered Bridge for an historical photo-op!
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
12-APR-09
| Distance: 3.73 mi | Points: 231 |
ACTIVE LOG
| Distance: 0.00 mi | Points: 1 |
ACTIVE LOG 001
| Distance: 3.74 mi | Points: 231 | |
| Total Time: 2:12:07 | Speed: 1.7 mph | Pace: 35:20 / mi |
Points of Interest
DC 001
Location: 44.935657, -123.85545212-APR-09 9:48:27AM Drift Creek Trailhead
DC 002
Location: 44.934759, -123.85337312-APR-09 10:03:07AM Big tree stump
DC 003
Location: 44.937432, -123.85341612-APR-09 10:12:34AM Footbridge 1
DC 004
Location: 44.937516, -123.85313912-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: 44.937377, -123.85282112-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, -123.84953112-APR-09 10:21:40AM Hazard; trail partially washed out, drop-off. Keep kids and dogs close to you.
DC 007
Location: 44.937092, -123.84882212-APR-09 10:24:48AM Creek Access.
DC 008
Location: 44.936889, -123.84845112-APR-09 10:22:10AM Junction - North trail loop
DC 009
Location: 44.936850, -123.848581Spring.
DC 010
Location: 44.936591, -123.84896212-APR-09 10:28:02AM Footbridge over Drift Creek.
DC 011
Location: 44.933321, -123.85041712-APR-09 10:36:16AM Suspension Bridge
DC 012
Location: 44.932829, -123.85019212-APR-09 10:42:21AM Suspension Bridge
DC 013
Location: 44.932325, -123.851381Flowers.
DC 014
Location: 44.932665, -123.85116312-APR-09 10:55:32AM Picnic table and benches carved out of fallen tree material
DC 015
Location: 44.932906, -123.85113812-APR-09 10:54:48AM Creek Access with lower views of falls, pool, and bridge.
DC 016
Location: 44.937270, -123.84816512-APR-09 11:13:06AM So starts the North loop; nothing you can't step over, duck under, or wade through.
DC 017
Location: 44.939130, -123.85040012-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: 44.935702, -123.855400Don't forget your NW Forest pass, or bring $5 exact change for the day use fee.
Big stump
Location: 44.935003, -123.853254Mossy Oregon goodness
Location: 44.937445, -123.853431The creek under the first footbridge.
North Trail junction
Location: 44.937426, -123.852739Very well marked.
trail hazard
Location: 44.936495, -123.849499creek access
Location: 44.937133, -123.848754North Trail Junction
Location: 44.936905, -123.848418Though there is a signpost marking the junction, the sign itself is nowhere to be found.
Spring along the trail
Location: 44.936871, -123.848534Footbridge
Location: 44.936628, -123.848898Suspension Bridge
Location: 44.933389, -123.850374Suspended
Location: 44.933119, -123.850282View on the bridge
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.933019, -123.850551View from the bridge
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.932963, -123.850612view from the bridge
Flowers
Location: 44.932331, -123.851353Picnic area
Location: 44.932684, -123.851168Picnic table and benches carved out of fallen tree material
Drift Creek Falls
Location: 44.932975, -123.850532Falls in full force; bridge in background for scale
Footbridge with tree
Location: 44.937276, -123.848158Related Trips
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