Joe's Account of Drift Creek Falls

I did things a little differently for this entry. I had Joe share his experience at Drift Creek Falls thinking it might be more interesting. I edited it and chimed in occasionally, but the opinions and ideas are his own.

It all started first with the threat of heavy rain followed by a bribe. Chelsea promised me a post-trail breakfast at Otis Cafe in Lincoln City - one of my favorites. I just didn’t think the journey to get there would be as difficult as it turned out.

We left very early, it was so dark and rainy I couldn’t see where I was even going. I took a wrong turn resulting in an accidental detour through construction. Nami whined the whole drive.

After what seemed like hours (Joe's exaggerating, it was less than two) we arrived at the forest road that would lead to the trailhead and I was greeted by an even windier road than before. I had to dodge downed branches and at one point had to stop and get out to clear away rocks from a slide. It was about that point when I turned to Chelsea and asked “Just where are you taking me?” Her reply was not reassuring when she just reiterated the name of the trailhead (well at least I didn't lie about it right?)

We finally made it to the parking lot, at that point it was pissing rain even more than before, something I didn’t even think was possible. We were the only car there because of course, nobody would be this crazy to hike in this mess. (We aren't crazy hon, just adventurous). 

We started walking and became instantly soaked, even with our raincoats it didn’t matter. It felt miserable but secretly it was enjoyable and we actually started jogging downhill to the waterfall.

Video: Trail running down to the falls

After lots of twists and turns through muddy puddles, we finally made it to a beautiful suspension bridge above the falls.

Video: A view of the falls from the suspension bridge

At that point, I knew I had to climb down to the bottom. The only thing standing in our way was an intense muddy incline where we had to use a rope to repel down. 

I saw Chelsea slip and slide on her butt partway, she was fine, but I guess it’s a good thing she had bought new hiking tights with a built-in butt pad. Then it was my turn. I made it down, the water from the falls felt and sounded like a hurricane it was rushing so fast around me.

Video: The bottom of the falls

My glasses were instantly covered in mist so I couldn’t see out of them. I didn’t stay at the bottom long because of poor visibility so I made my way back up the rope. We climbed back up the hill to the suspension bridge again.

Chelsea jogged in front of me and Nami started to follow but the bridge was so wobbly in the wind Nami stopped and froze herself to one spot. I had to pick her up and carry her the rest of the way. 

Video: Chelsea running across the bridge

We started the short slog back to the car in the rain and mud. We made it back completely soaked but it was finally time to go get breakfast. 

After a quick change of clothes in the still completely empty parking lot, we were back on the road. Chelsea suggested a shortcut, guess what, another incredibly windy gravel road! (Joe always acts surprised as if I can control these things). After what felt like a millennium (nice exaggeration) we made it to Lincoln City and the Otis Cafe.

But the parking lot was completely full and the line was out the door. I immediately though, “Nooooo what do we do?!” We both looked at each other and said “I’m not waiting for that,” so we decided to drive through town and find something else. But every parking lot was full! The only option was a place called Pig 'N Pancake but Chelsea said the food looked gross online (it really did) and there was also a line out the door.

So we decided to just cut our losses and drive towards home and eventually find somewhere else. We ended up in McMinnville where Chelsea found a promising spot, a diner ironically named “The Diner”. Victory at last! And it was delicious. 

When Chelsea first suggested this hike, on such a piss poor day, a hike she had chosen last minute when the weather crapped out on us, I didn’t think it would be all that great. Surprisingly it turned out better than I thought. Most of the time I can trust my wife when making decisions, but sometimes not. (He says as if he ever plans any of our adventures...). Like suggesting to go to a popular cafe at the beach during prime bunch hour. 

Distance Logged ~ 3 mi

Ascent 730 ft

Descent 730 ft