Hiking the God’s Thumb Trail via The Knoll on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
The God’s Thumb Trail in Lincoln City is one of the most beautiful day hikes on the Oregon Coast—not to mention one of the best sunset hikes on the Oregon Coast!
However, the popularity of God’s Thumb has definitely taken its toll on the trail and the community, contributing to everything from a very busy parking situation to severely eroded sections of the trail near God’s Thumb, all because it is one of the most popular trails on the Oregon Coast.
That being said, I still highly recommend hiking the beautiful God’s Thumb Trail, but at the same time, I ask that you do your part to minimize your impact, so that God’s Thumb can continue to remain open for all to enjoy!
God’s Thumb Trailhead Parking
Parking for the God’s Thumb Trail is either in one of two places.
First, you can park along NE Sal La Sea Dr., which is the closest area to the trailhead. However, parking is very limited and tends to fill up quickly.
Additionally, you can also park at the very end of NE Devil’s Lake Blvd., which tends to be easier and only adds about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of hiking each way from the furthest place that you can park on Sal La Sea Dr.
Google Maps Directions: NE Sal La Sea Dr. / NE Devil’s Lake Blvd.
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the God’s Thumb Trail
Devil’s Lake Trailhead
On this hike, I started from Devil’s Lake Trailhead to show the entire God’s Thumb Trail from the furthest parking area.
God’s Thumb Trailhead
At the first intersection, go straight to reach Sal La Sea Dr., and the Knoll Trailhead.
NE Sal La Sea Drive Trailhead Parking
The next few photos along the side of the road is closest that you may find parking near the Knoll Trailhead.
However, at busy times of the day, parking may be unavailable, making you drive through Lincoln City to park at the Devil’s Lake Trailhead.
Parking is prohibited directly prior to the trailhead to allow access for the local residents.
The Knoll (God’s Thumb) Trailhead
The God’s Thumb Trail is a combination of Lincoln City, private, and National Forest land, meaning to keep this popular trail open, do your part and be respectful.
Don’t block driveways when you park, pack out all your trash, be quiet in the residential area, and please do what you can to minimize erosion, as mentioned earlier.
At the first split just after the trailhead, go right for God’s Thumb and the Knoll.
First Knoll Junction
Eventually, the trail for the Knoll will branch off on the left-hand side.
You can either hike up to the Knoll from this direction or on the hike back, which is what I recommend because I think it’s easier from that direction.
Second Knoll Junction
The photo below is the Knoll Loop Trail that links back up with the trail to God’s Thumb, and this is where I recommend branching off to see the Knoll on your return hike.
Additionally, this is where the God’s Thumb Trail begins crossing private property.
At the next split, turn left for God’s Thumb.
At certain times of the year the God’s Thumb Trail can be significantly muddier than these photos shown here.
As the trail nears God’s Thumb, many people choose to stop here because the exposure on the trail increases significantly from this point on.
God’s Thumb
From the top of God’s Thumb you get great views of both Lincoln City to the south, as well as Three Rocks Beach and the Lower Cascade Head to the north.
The Knoll
If you skipped the Knoll on the hike up, I recommend checking it out on the way back.
At the second Knoll junction from earlier in this post, go right.
The trail will open up to a beautiful expansive view above Lincoln City before descending steeply back down to the main trail below.
First Knoll Junction
This is where the Knoll Loop links back up with the main God’s Thumb Trail from earlier.
More Oregon Coast Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oregon Coast adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Overall, the Oregon Coast has a fairly mild climate year-round, with beautiful summers and temperatures that seldom get below the upper 30s come winter.
That being said, there are a few things to know before venturing out on some of the many trails along the coast.
First, Pacific Poison-oak is found on trails up and down the Oregon Coast, which is why it’s important to learn how to identify it before hiking any trail.
Additionally, there are black bears on the Oregon Coast, and while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Disclaimer
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