This was one of the first surprises in store for us this day...
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| © LG 2012 |
Drift Creek Bridge is on the way to the falls (about 12 miles before the trail head). It has an inspirational history behind it and you may find it worth your time to take a quick stop on your way up to the falls.
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| © LG 2012 |
You'll likely find a stack of papers on this bench in the bridge like we did. Grab a sheet and consider reading it out loud to your family as you drive up to the falls.
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| © LG 2012 |
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| © LG 2012 |
There is a tiny one-table picnic area at the trail head.
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| © LG 2012 |
Doesn't it figure? The flash blotted out the miles to the falls! It's one and a half miles though. The hike has a gentle decent with a few trees and roots to watch for. This hiking trail is considered to be moderate.
There is a North Fork Loop you can take; we chose not to. We understand it to have a steep ascents in some places before it levels off and drops to meet the main trail.
There is a North Fork Loop you can take; we chose not to. We understand it to have a steep ascents in some places before it levels off and drops to meet the main trail.
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| © LG 2012 |
There were a few neat little bridges like this to cross on our way to the falls. But this... THIS... was the ultimate second surprise for the day (at least it was for the kids!).
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| © LG 2012 |
This 240 ft. long suspension bridge was so much fun! It's 100 feet above ground! Once you start to cross it, you can see the falls.
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| © LG 2012 |
And here are the lovely Drift Creek Falls.
If you walk down about another 1/4 mile you'll come across a unique,
rustic table to picnic at as you enjoy the falls below.
This portion of the trail has a deeper descent...
which means it has a steeper ascent.
It's a good workout and all of our kids did just fine.
This portion of the trail has a deeper descent...
which means it has a steeper ascent.
It's a good workout and all of our kids did just fine.
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| © LG 2012 |
If you have little ones, you'll appreciate the high railing this bridge has.
You can read about the history of this suspension bridge here.
You can read about the history of this suspension bridge here.
You might pack along supplies and instructions for this experiment to do with your kids while you are there.
Is this post helpful to you? Please leave a comment and let us know! Thanks!
Cost:
There is a $5.00 Day Use Fee (can be paid at the trail head)
There is a $5.00 Day Use Fee (can be paid at the trail head)
Important:
*Bring water.
*All of the usual safety measures for when out in nature apply (of course!).
*If you have a fear of heights, be prepared for that wonderful suspension bridge!
*It's important your child has good self-control because of the bridge.
*Moderate hiking trail.
*It's important your child has good self-control because of the bridge.
*Moderate hiking trail.
Restrooms:
Yes. Pit toilets are at the beginning of the trail head... nothing further down that we could see.
Extras:
This is not too far from Lincoln City!
This is not too far from Lincoln City!
Offered:
We don't know if the trail is available year round.
Ages: All Ages
This is really awesome and we might need to take a drive out there one day! It's a 1.5 mile hike which doesn't sound so bad, but what was the trail like? Was it all pretty even and how much elevation change was there? Just trying to figure out the difficulty of the hike! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome reviews you give on local places!
Thanks for the great question, Diana! You helped me to refine the post. This trail is considered to be moderate (more details are at the post).
DeleteWe appreciate the feedback, too!
I think we'll put this on the list for this summer! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's terrific, Heidi! Please make note that we added to the post about the trail being rated as moderate. Enjoy! :)
DeleteAs a Full-time Roadschooling family, I am always looking for new places to travel to that are also educational. This looks like the perfect place to visit for our next destination. Thank you for sharing, it was VERY helpful :)
ReplyDeleteKeri - A Roadschooling mom of 2 lil explorers!
Glad to hear it's helpful for your family, Keri! Have a fun and safe time! :)
ReplyDelete