Drift Creek Falls before August
2010
Nestled in the Siuslaw National Forest is one of the many gems
of the Oregon waterfall system. Drift Creek Falls is a 75’
waterfall at the end of a mile and a half easy to moderate trail
that meanders through old growth forest, down to a 240’
suspension bridge that spans 100’ above Drift Creek. The
trail is open year round but can get quite muddy when the rains
come.
(NOTE: When we hiked the trail 10/29/10, the south loop to the
falls was closed for trail maintenance and we had to detour on to
the north loop. This added at least another half mile to the trip
down and back.)
Please remember to STAY ON THE TRAIL and CARRY WATER
WITH YOU. DON’T DRINK THE WATER FROM THE CREEK!
Since this is a National Forest Service site, there is a day fee
for vehicle parking and day use. The cost is $5 and permits are
available on site. Northwest Forest, America the Beautiful and
Senior Lifetime Passes are all acceptable.
Drift Creek Falls on August
2010
In August 2010, there was a major rock slide that completely
changed the cliff face and looks of the falls. At the base of the
falls, you will see a very large rock and a number of smaller ones
that broke off and fell into the creek bed. Clearly, major geologic
forces are at work, weathering this cliff face and causing rocks to
periodically break away. Furthermore, something has allowed not
just small rocks to crumble away, but an immense intact slab of
solid basalt. To get credit for this Earthcache, you must complete
the following:
1. In an email to us, briefly explain why you think these large
rocks would have broken away from the cliff face. Do not include
this explanation in your posted log. Hint: Observe the
pattern of rocks remaining on the cliff wall and compare them to
the chunks of rock that have fallen previously.
2. In your e-mail, estimate the size of the largest intact rock
at the bottom of the falls. Given a typical density of basalt rock
of 3.0 grams per cubic centimeter, or 187 pounds per cubic foot,
how much do you think this rock weighs?
3. Optional: Include a picture of yourself or a member of
your party with the falls, the rock, or the suspension bridge in
the picture.
Caution: If you choose to go down to the creek, please
use the path and don’t try to get there by blazing your own
trail down. You also need to be cautious of falling
rocks.
How to get there: Hwy 101 entry – Off Highway 101
south of Lincoln City, north of Salishan.
Travel east on Drift Creek Road, right on South Drift Creek Road ¼
mile. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 17. Stay on Forest Service
Road 17 to trailhead, approximately, 10 miles.
Hwy 18 entry – From near Rose Lodge, travel south on Bear
Creek County Road 3.5 miles. Continue straight 7 miles on Forest
Service Road 17 to trailhead.
Follow the signs to Drift Creek Falls on both sets of
directions.