Year-round, you can find some of the most beautiful scenery in the country on the Oregon Coast. There’s no better way to experience it than with an exhilarating hike. Find peace in the crisp chill of winter while surrounded by spruce trees and trekking up steep inclines to reach breathtaking viewpoints. Explore these top winter trails on the Oregon Coast during your trip to Depoe Bay.
The Knoll
3 Miles | Easy/Moderate
In the Roads End area is the steep hike known to locals as The Knoll. Enjoy the crisp air of winter as you make the strenuous trek up. Enjoy being surrounded by more trees than you can count. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some wildlife scurrying in the distance. The trail’s steep grade makes it a more moderately classed path than others, but it’s worth it. As you approach the top of the knoll, you can hear the booming crash of waves against the shore. Upon exiting the tree line, you meet a large clearing with the most beautiful views of Roads End and the sandy shoreline.
Drift Creek Falls
3 Miles | Easy
Head to nearby Siuslaw National Forest for a short family-friendly hike to picturesque Drift Creek waterfall. Start your trip at the trailhead, which includes a small parking lot, a pit toilet, and maps and brochures you can use for your hike. Entering the trail, you’ll see the trail information signage letting you know the mileage to specific landmarks and any rules applicable. Then venture into the thick of lush moss-covered firs and spruces. The trail itself is flat and well-groomed, making it a very accessible route for any level hiker. About 1.25 miles in, you come to one of the most unique parts of this hike. A rustic suspension bridge hangs 100 feet above the ground, making a path to the opposite side of the canyon. After the bridge, you meet the beautiful 66ft waterfall, Drift Creek Falls. Enjoy the sight of the rushing falls crashing into the rocks below.
Cook’s Ridge to Gwynn Creek Loop
6.4 miles | Moderate
This hike is perfect for taking during the early morning when the winter fog sits in a heavy blanket over the treetops. Make your way through giant century-old spruce forests. As you get closer to the shore, you can see the blue ocean peeking back at you through the trees. Follow the signs through the thick forest vegetation. You’ll follow Cook’s Ridge Trail to the Gwynn Creek Trail junction. Soon you’ll be able to hear the gurgling of Gwynn Creek as it runs below your feet. Once over the footbridge, your scenic reward awaits. You can see Gwynn Creek, the sandy shoreline, and the Strawberry Hill picnic area, all from this one vantage point.
Otter Crest Loop
2 Miles | Moderate
Otter Crest Loop Road provides two miles of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of Oregon’s rocky shoreline. You can take it by car or take the short loop hike on foot. Roadea Point marks the start of the trail. The first thing you notice are the picture-perfect views of Oregon’s rough coastline. When the waves are particularly active, they crash with violent sprays and sounds. Just beyond Roadea Point is Rocky Creek Bridge. The tiny area features a rounded stone wall and a mini turnout to watch surfers taking on the waves. After the bridge, you enter into a mysterious stretch of forest down to a set of cliffs. The trek is well worth it for the picture-worthy ocean view panoramas.
Stay at Channel House
After an exhilarating day exploring these top winter trails on the Oregon Coast look forward to unwinding at Channel House in Depoe Bay. There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking sore joints in from your deck’s spa tub. And a glass of wine with breathtaking views of crashing waves meeting the shoreline completes the experience. Choose from 15 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each with beautiful views, cozy TempurPedic beds, and warming gas fireplaces. Book your stay with us today!
Give the gift of a stay in Depoe Bay at Channel House this holiday season. Purchase a gift certificate here.
