09-06-09 Drift Creek Falls Trail

So the next weekend we headed back to the used bookstore for the 30% off sale and to check out the Drift Creek Falls trail. It was raining and windy when we left the house, no telling what it will be like over by the coast. I have seen it both ways before crappy at the house, but sunny and blue sky at the coast.



Along highway 18 we see buffalo. So we stopped to take a pic, notice the dark sky.

It's pouring rain and windy as we get close, so the plan is to hike the trail first and then hit the bookstore afterwards.



We arrive at the trail head parking lot just as the clouds open up and it really starts to pour. I open up the back of Julie's rig to get my pack and hiking boots out only to find that "Mr. Prepared" forgot his pack and hiking boots. Damn! I had them set out on the living room floor, but somehow forgot to grab them when loading up. ARGH! Well, we are here; I guess I am going as is.



The trail is listed as being 1 ½ Miles, so 3 miles round trip.



Apparently there is an alternate route, but we decide to stick to the main trail.



After about ¾ of a mile we hit a bad spot in the trail, part of it has fallen away. Not really any problem, just had to stay to one side.



Wow, this is the first time that I have seen Devil's Club with fruit/berries on it.



We spot a bridge ahead on the trail, which does not look like much of a bridge.



This can't be what all the hubbub is about.



The trail starts to rise now. Maybe we are getting close; I better stop taking pictures and catch up to Julie.



As we climb up the trail what do I see...? Is that the bridge?



WOW!



Here I am for a bit of scale. Notice the brass plaque on the bridge.



The plaque.



The bridge.

Drift Creek Falls Bridge Video, originally uploaded by Oregon Mike.

Bridge Video, sorry it's sideways. Anyone know how to fix it?



First view of the falls from the bridge.



Falls from the other end of the bridge, the tree gives it some scale.



The far end of the bridge.



Cables.



As we hike down to the bottom of the falls, I spot this bright colored tree fungus.



What a view.



...and now me, for a little more scale. The Bridge is a 240 feet long suspension bridge hovering 100 feet over the creek. The water fall is 75 feet tall.



Drift Creek Falls Video

Now a few more pics of the water fall from various angles:










Who's that bozo looking up?



This is a fairly short hike with incredible scenery, more than worth the hike. Julie and I hiked back and then went to the bookstore. I got some Oregon history and Northwest wild plant books. It was dinner time so we went back to Jack's Steak and Seafood one more time.



As the sun was going down we drove back home, tummies full and a story to tell.

A tribute to Scott Paul and Sahale bridge builders. Pics of the bridge construction.

--- Oregon Mike