God’s Thumb: The Best Oregon Coast Trail In Lincoln City

God’s Thumb is easily one of my favorite hikes on the Oregon coast. The trail itself is a fun hike and so beautiful. The sweeping views at the end are worth the steep hike and the mud along the way. It’s a great hike option because it is a short distance from town and has plenty of beaches nearby to explore after the hike.

Things to Know About Hiking to God’s Thumb

• Always practice Leave No Trace Principles on trail. On this trail that means staying on trail. When the trail is muddy, walk through the mud and don’t create new trails to avoid the mud.

• The trail passes through private property. There is a sign prior to entering letting hikers know it’s the beginning of private land and to be respectful of the owner’s land.

• The trail is extremely muddy making for a rather slick trail. Between fall and spring, the trail can be treacherous, so wear appropriate shoes and be careful of your footing. I like to use poles on this hike to help me navigate the mud, especially on the steep terrain. Waterproof shoes or hiking boots are a must through the mud. Wear clothes you’re okay getting dirty, because they most likely will.

• There are two options for enjoying God’s Thumb. The first is the high meadow, where you can look out at God’s Thumb. The second is to hike down and onto God’s Thumb. God’s Thumb takes hikers on a cliff’s edge and down steep terrain. Know your abilities and comfort level. Many people only hike to the high meadow and look out at the thumb. It’s an amazing view and it’s okay to end there.

• There are no trailhead pass requirements or permits needed for this hike.

• You will notice on the map below that it appears there are two trail options to reach God’s Thumb. This is not the case. The shorter, lower trail was closed years ago and should not be used. The only trail accessible is the one I’m sharing about, which starts off NE Sal La Sea Dr.

• God’s Thumb itself is very small and can only hold so many people. The climb up to it is extremely steep and may require you use your hands to get up. Be mindful of other hikers wanting a turn on the thumb. Share the space and let others have a turn by not sitting up there too long if it’s busy.

Leave No Trace Principles

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions. 

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in exciting campsites rather than over vegetation.  

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind because they shouldn’t be disposed of on trail. Being a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly burry it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail because they are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them. 

• Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plant off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states. 

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use exciting fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away. 

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum or 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them because our food is harmful to thier digestive system.

• Be Considerate of Others : Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

Best Time of Year to Hike God’s Thumb

This hike is amazing year-round, so there’s really no wrong time to do this hike. Things to note are that it will be the busier in summer months. During rainy season, which is fall-spring, the trail will be extremely muddy. You will need waterproof shoes and appropriate gear to keep you dry if you hike during the rainy season.

Finding the Trailhead

There is only one route to the trailhead, but no official parking lot. The lower trail has been closed and cannot be used. The trailhead is located off NE Sal La Sea Dr, a gravel road through a neighborhood. Because this is a neighborhood, park on the left side of the road so the road doesn’t get blocked and never park in front of driveways or mail boxes. Be respectful of those that live along the streets near the trailhead.

God’s Thumb Trail

Once you park on the the side of the road, walk up the road and to the right. There is a gate and dead end where the trail begins. The first 0.4 of this hike is up a steep incline to the knoll. The knoll is a large grassy meadow overlooking Lincoln City, but you’ll have to take a short detour to the left to see the viewpoint. You can choose to walk down and explore the knoll or continue on the trail.

At this point the trail will enter private property. There is a sign next to the right of the knoll next to the trail stating you’re entering private land. Be respectful of this area so it can remain open. From here you enter a beautiful forest area with fern-lined trails. The trail also begins to get muddy at this point. When I say it begins to get muddy, be prepared to have your shoes covered in mud! The mud often covers the entire width of the trail so it’s unavoidable and when it’s on a steep incline, it’s extremely slick and easy to fall.

After the fern-lined forest section of the trail, it will drop you down a steep incline that is muddy even in summer sometimes. When you reach the bottom you’ll pop out of the tree line and into another meadow before the final ascent to the High Meadow. The High Meadow is an ending point for many hikers. The High Meadow also has sweeping views of Lincoln City, the coastline and God’s Thumb below. It is a great spot to sit and enjoy snacks or lunch as well.

If you aren’t afraid of heights and want to continue to God’s Thumb, the trail continues down the steep hillside to the meadow below. This is the part of the trail where you will need to walk on the edge of the cliff. The last short climb to the top of the thumb is very steep. There are step-like areas you can put your feet, but you may need to use your hands a bit to get up. Be sure to take turns going up and down with other hikers.

Tip’s For Reaching God’s Thumb

Once you reach the high meadow, the trail to God’s Thumb becomes more of a cliffside walk. Many people choose to stay at the high meadow and just enjoy the sweeping views of the coastline and God’s Thumb. If you’re going to walk down to God’s Thumb during rainy season, be extremely cautious and aware of your footing. One slip on mud could be deadly.

From the high meadow, the trail cuts down by the trees right on the edge of the cliff. Be very cautious through here and take your time because it’s a complete drop off. Share the trail with others so everyone feels safe maneuvering. Just after the trees, there are a few trails that cut down to the meadow. If walking along the cliff makes you uncomfortable, this is a great option to reach God’s Thumb. Be sure to only stay on established trails and don’t make new ones. The lower meadow trail connects back to the trail that runs on the edge of the cliff right at the base of God’s Thumb.

Gear to Bring

Hiking Poles are great for this trail because it has multiple steep inclines, combined with mud, makes for a very slick trail. I always bring my poles when it’s muddy to help me keep my balance and maneuver the muddy sections without falling.

Waterproof hiking boots are a must on this trail because of the excessive mud. Avoid wearing tennis shoes or sandals unless you want wet, muddy feet. Even in summer months there can be residual muddy spots on the trail.

Bring a backpack with your 10 essentials, plenty of snacks and more water than you think you will need. It’s important to always have at least a half liter for every hour of easy, level hiking, more for elevation hiking and warmer weather. Always pack more than you think you will need. To learn more about these items, check out my “The 10 essentials” guide.

To learn more about what I hike with go here to see my must-have gear, trail clothes and more!

Reminders

• Always practice Leave No Trace. Pack out all your trash, stay on trail to minimize your footprint and properly bury or carry out all human waste.

• Wear proper shoes. Waterproof shoes are best for this hike if you have them. Sneakers don’t have great traction and won’t keep your feet dry. Wear trail runners or hiking boots.

• Be respectful of your fellow hiker and take turns taking photos on God’s Thumb. Don’t sit for long periods in places where people may want to take photos.

• Know your limits and be okay with not making it to the actual thumb if the trail conditions are extremely slippery or you’re uncomfortable with the heights. There’s nothing wrong with ending a hike where you feel comfortable and the views are amazing no matter where you choose to end it.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to the Oregon coast ! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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