Easy to See Why It’s Called Hiking On God’s Thumb, OR

Hike Distance: 3.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,108 ft

Highest Point: 605 feet

We opted for God's Thumb as our final coastal hike for several reasons. First, the name was 'click bait' for anyone who enjoys an adventurous hike. With a name like 'God's Thumb', who wouldn't be intrigued. I hoped it might have similarities with Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. Secondly, the hike's length was perfect, considering we had a long drive ahead to Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon.

WARNING: Parking at the trailhead is scarce and fiercely policed by local residents. Consider parking at Roads End State Park and walking up NE Sal La Sea Drive to the trailhead instead. We were lucky we followed the directions to the trailhead using AllTrails and found one of the few authorized parking spots at the end of NE Sal la Sea Drive. Just make sure to obey the signs on the road where parking is not allowed.

We parked near the trailhead and made our way to the gate that marks the beginning of the hike, following the signs for 'The Knoll'. This path was once an old road used by a local quarry.

After walking half a mile, the trail veered to the left, and we took the somewhat overgrown path to a clearing known as 'The Knoll'. This open area offers breathtaking views of Lincoln City and its beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.

Even on a cloudy day there were great views of Devils Lake and the hills surrounding Lincoln City.

We returned to the main trail and we found ourselves entering this strangely lighted 'space portal.'

Passing through the portal, we entered an old-growth forest.

We were surrounded by Sitka spruce. These trees grow in the cool, moist maritime climate from Northern California to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, seldom straying far from salt water environments.

These giants are the fifth-largest conifers in the world after giant Sequoias, coastal redwoods, Noble fir and Douglas fir. They average 180-225 feet tall and three to five feet in diameter.

Moss blanketed nearly every surface, occasionally growing so densely that it doubled the size of tree branches. Unlike English ivy, mosses and lichens are not parasitic and do not harm trees, except for the extra weight they add to the surfaces they cover.

MYTH: Moss has been used as a natural compass around the world, but beware! Moss could grow anywhere as long as there’s water, and that means not just the north side of surfaces. For instance, the direction of prevailing wind and rain can influence where moss grows. So don’t rely on it if you’re lost in the woods.

After half a mile the forest gave way to a grassy and tree-covered hillside.

Thistle grew in bunches among the grass and ferns.

These meadows are sensitive environmental zones, so please remain on the designated path and avoid making new trails through the grass. Soon, we heard the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

The trail weaved in and out of short treed areas before narrowing and providing the first glimpse of God's Thumb.

This spectacular outcropping of basalt juts above the ocean like a gigantic thumbs-up.

To convey the scale, I've added this photo of someone next to the tree at the summit... it's larger than it looks in many of the blog photos.

I believe this is the moment where I should admit that I may not have been entirely clear when I explained the hike to Dave. This is the expression of someone who is not pleased with the trail ahead of him.

This section of the trail is very exposed and eroded in certain areas. Advising to 'stay on the path, be careful, and watch your step' is simply stating the obvious.

There's no avoiding it; steep drop-offs or cliffs flanked either side. A slip to the right would send you plummeting to a beach strewn with rocks. A stumble to the left would mean a long fall before coming to a halt. This trail might not be suitable for everyone!

This view from the summit provides a clearer perspective of the cliff's steepness and the proximity of the trail to the edge. If conditions are rainy or muddy, you might reconsider proceeding. There have been instances where people needed rescue from this section of the trail.

For some reason, descending from the summit felt less daunting. This time, we walked with greater confidence. Although it might not qualify as a 'knife's edge' trail, it was equally enjoyable.

After navigating the cliff walk, there was a brief but steep climb to the summit.

The breathtaking views from the summit made the challenging part of the trail completely worthwhile. There are stunning vistas to the south of Lincoln City and the seemingly endless stretch of beach.

Steep cliffs descended to hidden beaches where waves crashed against the rugged shoreline.

Sweeping coastal view to the north of Cascade Head.

I captured a few last pictures of Dave on the summit.

God’s Thumb was a Lincoln City secret for decades. The spread of online information combined with moves by the city to open the area has allowed many more people to experience one of the state's most beautiful spots.

Now it was time for us to continue our Oregon adventures inland with a trip to Crater Lake and Mount Hood.