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The Mandagies

Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Hiking· Pacific Northwest· Travel· United States· West Coast

23 Feb

If you’re looking for a new adventure on the Oregon Coast, drop everything and read this.

We’ve gone down the coast many times (even on an epic Pacific Coast road trip!), but for some reason, God’s Thumb remained hidden from us in plain sight.

Therefore, we made it a mission to explore this elusive place next time we found ourselves on the Oregon Coast.

If you’re craving a new adventure in the Pacific Northwest, check out this rewarding hike to God’s Thumb in Lincoln City, Oregon.

God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City, TheMandagies.com

Want More Oregon Inspiration?

We’ve created a map of all the locations of Oregon we’ve explored! Click around the map to discover more places near God’s Thumb.


Hiking To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City, Oregon

 

Trail Facts About God’s Thumb Hike In Lincoln City

God’s Thumb is a sea-level hike that consists of crossing through meadows, moss-covered spruce forests, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

The trail is often muddy, and we encourage you to check the weather report before embarking on this trail. We also highly suggest wearing a raincoat and rain boots!

Distance: 4.6 miles, out-and-back trail.

Elevation Change: 1025 feet.

Difficulty: Moderate. (Muddy areas, long distances uphill, and steep cliff edges)

Dog-Friendly: Yes! They must be on a leash at all times.

Roads End State Recreation Site Sign, TheMandagies.com

Where To Start God’s Thumb Trail

The trail to God’s Thumb isn’t as intuitive as other hikes in the Pacific Northwest. There are two very important things to know about this area before you embark:

1.) You must park your car at the Road’s End State Park Parking Lot.

If you attempt to park closer, there is a high chance your car will get towed. (And the many, many “No Parking” signs should warn you about this too).

The area surrounding the trailhead to God’s Thumb is private property, and residents are very adamant about reporting any violators.

2.) You must take the Road’s End Trailhead, at the end of Port Drive.

In the past, there has been a shorter trail which was located at the end of Logan Road. This has now become private property and no longer a legal trail to God’s Thumb. 

It’s important to follow the correct trail because much of the land surrounding the park is private property, and it’s unlawful to trespass. For a step-by-step guide on how to reach the proper trailhead, read this post from OregonHikers.com.

Also, see the yellow line in the map below to see a visual of the correct path!

God's Thumb Hike Correct Trail Route Map

Map Courtesy of OregonHikers.org (Image not our own)

Beginning The Trail To God’s Thumb Hike

The beginning of this trail will include hiking up a grassy ridge, where you will eventually get a view of Devil’s Lake and Lincoln City below. This means you are entering The Knoll, which is a government-owned open space.

(Keep your eye out for elk because they often sleep here!)

After the clearing, you should drop back down into an alder field meadow, then finally after a while, break out into the opening of God’s Thumb.

For more step-by-step instructions, read Oregon Hiker’s post about God’s Thumb hike here.

 

Arriving at God’s Thumb

The Thumb is easily recognizable by its dramatic upward curve in the meadow. You can opt to hike to the top of God’s Thumb, but keep in mind the meadow grass is fragile, so please stay on the trail.

Over time, the curve in the basalt form known as the “Thumb” will eventually become a sea stack over years of erosion from the crashing waves. You are one of the lucky ones who will be able to still walk to it!

Read More: The Complete Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (15+ Stops!)

Walking on God's Thumb Trail

Emily at God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City
Emily at God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City


Best Viewpoints At God’s Thumb On The Oregon Coast

God’s Thumb hike is full of beautiful scenery and stunning land formations, like many other places on the Oregon Coast!

Below are some of our favorite places to snap pictures on the trail!

Don’t have a fancy camera? No need – just read our guide to editing photos on your phone!

 

The Thumb

It’s no doubt that the “Thumb” is the main attraction of this hike. Its strange curve and the stunning view of the ocean is what makes this trail so popular.

Like stated above, you can climb to the top but take care to stay on the trail to preserve the fragile grass that surrounds it.

Also, remember to watch your footing, because the trail that parallels the ridge line is an extremely steep drop off to the small cove below.

Read More: Not Afraid of Heights? Try This Trail in Southern Utah

 

Berty viewing "The Thumb" from trees

Close view of God's Thumb Trail, Lincoln City
Emily walking on edge of trail at God's Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

 

The Open Meadow

The area surrounding the cove has a unique dip in the landscape and open meadow. At the beginning of the hike, there is also an open space where you can see a view of Lincoln City below.

Spend some time enjoying the view from these high places, and if you stay still long enough, maybe you will spot an elk!

Pay Attention: The left side of the trail to the top of God’s Thumb is extremely steep. Make sure to watch your footing, and be extra cautious if it’s a windy day!

View of God's Thumb and Pacific Ocean, TheMandagies.com

Cove to the left of God's Thumb

 

The Tall Spruce Trees

During God’s Thumb hike, you’ll walk through sheltered areas of mossy spruce trees and ferns. This is the part of the hike that really feels like the Pacific Northwest!

Rain, mud, moss, and damp foliage all come together in this temperate rainforest. Spend some time enjoying the unique landscape of this area of Oregon!

Read More: 10 Insanely Useful Tips For Hiking In The Pacific Northwest

Berty under spruce trees, TheMandagies.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions About God’s Thumb Hike

Are Dogs Allowed On God’s Thumb Hike?

Yes! Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Make sure to pick up after your pup (i.e. poop bags!) and be considerate of other hikers!

Can I access the trail to God’s Thumb via the north entrance of Logan Road?

Unfortunately no. After a lot of research, we discovered that this trail is no longer a valid access point. Please be considerate of private properties and make sure to use the correct trailhead entrance at the end of Port Road.

Emily at God's Thumb Hike on the Oregon Coast, TheMandagies.com

 

Other Adventurous Hikes Around God’s Thumb Trail

The Oregon Coast is full of adventure – so why not discover some other amazing places while you are nearby!

Click some more of our favorite hikes below to make the most of your time in Oregon.

  • Cape Kiwanda (23 miles north, 35-minute drive)
  • Drift Creek Falls (15 miles east, 40-minute drive)
  • Hug Point State Recreation Area (83-miles north, 2-hour drive)
  • Cannon Beach (84-miles north, 2-hour drive)
  • Thor’s Well (51 miles south, 1 hour 15 minute-drive)

Have you ever hiked God’s Thumb in Lincoln City? Tag us in your photos with #themandagies on Instagram and share them with us!

 

MORE OREGON ADVENTURES

Stay Overnight at The Innkeeper’s House at Heceta Head Lighthouse!

Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip 

A Guide To The Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon

Explore the Southern Oregon Coast (Samula H Boardman and more!)

10+ Pacific Northwest Hot Springs You Must Experience

Like this Oregon Coast hike? Save in on Pinterest for your next trip inspiration!

Ready for a new adventure in Oregon? Explore God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast! This Pacific Northwest trail has everything from mossy spruce trees, open meadows, ocean views, and a surprise at the end! Save this pin for some hiking inspiration! #travel #adventure #hike #oregon #oregoncoast #lincolncity #landscape #pacificocean #blogging #travelblog #themandagies
Ready for a new adventure in Oregon? Explore God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast! This Pacific Northwest trail has everything from mossy spruce trees, open meadows, ocean views, and a surprise at the end! Save this pin for some hiking inspiration! #travel #adventure #hike #oregon #oregoncoast #lincolncity #landscape #pacificocean #blogging #travelblog #themandagies
Ready for a new adventure in Oregon? Explore God's Thumb Hike in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast! This Pacific Northwest trail has everything from mossy spruce trees, open meadows, ocean views, and a surprise at the end! Save this pin for some hiking inspiration! #travel #adventure #hike #oregon #oregoncoast #lincolncity #landscape #pacificocean #blogging #travelblog #themandagies

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About Emily and Berty

We're Berty and Emily Mandagie, the husband and wife duo behind TheMandagies.com. We're passionate about adventure, photography, and our home in the Pacific Northwest. We share moments and places in the PNW, and how you can experience them too.

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We're Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Join us in saying YES to new hikes, fresh perspectives, and living life outside with the people you love most!

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