Drift Creek Wilderness

Drift Creek Wilderness is located in the Oregon Coast Range, seven miles north of Waldport and south of Newport, Oregon. Towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock reaching up to seven feet in diameter shade the Coast Range's largest rainforest stand of old growth. The steep canyons of rock-splattered Drift Creek may give the impression of mountainous country, but the forested hills rise only 2,000 feet above sea level. Soaked by 120 inches of annual rainfall, thick moss and ferns cushion the ground along numerous streams shadowed by overhanging bigleaf maples.

Roosevelt elk and black bears share this lush territory along with northern spotted owl, woodpeckers, bald eagles, banana slugs, salamanders and many others. In fall, Drift Creek comes alive with spawning chinook and coho salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout.

The Drift Creek Wilderness (5,798 acres) is one of four wilderness areas established on the Siuslaw National Forest. There are two main trails, the Horse Creek Trail and the Harris Ranch Trail. Stock use prohibited due to fragile soil conditions.

Current Conditions

No bikes, or motorized vehicles allowed. Trail conditions (narrow and steep) are not appropriate for horses or other stock animals.

General Information

Flat clearings along the creek make for ideal campsites, but please remember to camp at least 100 feet away from flowing water. Camp stove use is recommended.

Wilderness Regulations & Guidelines
No stock use, ATV's or bikes allowed in Wilderness
No drones

Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)

A sign that says "Central coast ranger station siuslaw national forest" in front of a building

Address: 1130 Forestry Lane Waldport , OR 97394
Phone: (541) 563-8400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: r6_siuslaw_wwweb_front_desk@usda.gov

Getting There

Elevation

2,000 feet

Directions

From the south, the Harris Ranch trailhead is located 2 miles north of Highway 34 and is the portal to the southern half of the wilderness area.

On the north side, the Horse Creek trailhead is approximately 15 miles east of Highway 101 and allows hikers to explore the northern half of the wilderness area.

Turn east off Highway 101 on Beaver Creek Road at Ona Beach for 3.7 miles, then turn right on N Elk Horn Road for 5.9 miles. Follow the Horse Creek Trail sign at the FS Road 5100 junction and turn left on to FS Road 5000. After 1.3 miles, continue on FS Road 5000 and veer right for another 2.8 miles to the Horse Creek trailhead.