A Guide to Hiking God’s Thumb via the Knoll in 2024
PLANNING A HIKE TO GOD’S THUMB?
You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve been traveling to the Oregon Coast since 2010, so we know a thing or two about the highlights not to be missed along the Pacific Northwest coastline. We hiked God’s Thumb with our kids during our last visit to the Oregon Coast.
In Lincoln City, God’s Thumb is a top-level natural attraction. The God’s Thumb hike offers both a physical challenge and gorgeous views the whole family will enjoy.
We find we always have a better time on the trail if we know what to expect, so in this article, we’ll walk you through all the ins and outs of a visit to God’s Thumb trail. From parking to hiking essentials, we’ll help you prep for an outdoor adventure to remember.
God’s Thumb Hike
Getting to God’s Thumb Trailhead
One of the first questions you may be asking yourself in preparation for your hike is just how to find God’s Thumb Trail. This is a more complicated question than you might think.
Not many years ago, the entirety of God’s Thumb was private land, and the trail was a community secret that only local residents knew about. Thanks to the impact of social media over recent decades, this natural gem is no longer a secret and has been sought after by many hikers.
That said, lots of faulty God’s Thumb maps and information that essentially lead hikers through private property have been shared throughout the years, so be careful which resources you follow.
God’s Thumb Rock is located in Lincoln City, Oregon. You will want to drive northbound toward the end of Logan Road (which is off 101) in the north part of town. The road will curve to the left, which is your sign to turn right onto Port Lane.
Continue on this road until you reach Voyage Ave, where you will make a left turn. You will find Devil’s Lake Blvd at the end of the road. You will make another left here, with the trail parking lot in sight.
Parking at God’s Thumb
There are two different designated parking areas for God’s Thumb. The length of the hike is going to be different depending on where you are able to park. If you have found the two parking areas mentioned below to be full, you can park at the Roads End Recreation Area but this will add some mileage to your overall hike.
The trailhead to God’s Thumb Mountain is located in a residential area, so it’s important not to park or trespass on private property.
Parking at the End of NE Sal La Sea Drive
The first parking area is a small area at the end of NE Sal La Sea Drive. There are about three parking spots here on the side of the road. This is in a neighborhood, and if you park outside of these three spots, you will get a ticket.
We hiked God’s Thumb on a weekday afternoon and were able to park here. By the time we finished our hike, parking here was full. This is the closest parking option to the trailhead.
Parking at the End of NE Devil’s Lake Blvd
If the first parking area is full, you can at the end of NE Devil’s Lake Blvd. This is a much larger parking area compared to NE Sal La Sea Drive. Parking here adds about 0.25 miles of hiking each way, so about .5 miles roundtrip.
Hiking God’s Thumb
The God’s Thumb Lincoln City hike is a 4.3-mile out-and-back trail that will lead you to a fascinating thumb-shaped rock formation on a steep trail along the cliffside. The beautiful grassy meadows surrounding the thumb-like mountain, as well as the aerial view of Lincoln City and the crashing waves below, make this moderately difficult hike well worth the effort.
The Knoll
It’s important to note that once you’re ready to hit the trail, you won’t find any signage for God’s Thumb. Instead, look for the signs for The Knoll, as this is the initial path you will take as you make your way to God’s Thumb trail.
Pretty quickly after arriving at the trailhead, you will get to this sign.
Plan to follow the path toward the Knoll for about a mile. You will then come to another fork in the trail. The fork back to the left will take you out to the Knoll which is worth a quick visit. There is a really pretty view there.
This is the sign you should look out for, leading you to either the Knoll or God’s Thumb. The Knoll is to the left, and God’s Thumb is to the right.
God’s Thumb
After a quick visit out to the Knoll, you can continue on to God’s Thumb through a more forested area. After another mile or so, the trees will eventually clear as you keep hiking, and you’ll get your first peeks at God’s Thumb.
With an increase in elevation of over 1,100 feet throughout the hike, the final stretch of the trail is considered the most challenging. New hikers to this area should know that the path narrows and veers very near the cliffside.
If you are hiking with small children or inexperienced hikers, you may not want them to climb up to the top of God’s Thumb. Along with being alongside a treacherous edge, this part of the trail is steep, and the ground can be unsteady.
The kids and I stayed at the bottom while Coltin climbed the grassy hillside to the top of the thumb. The view was incredible, with both Cascade Head and Lincoln Beach clear as day from the impressive vantage point.
Overall, this is a great hike for solo travelers or families alike. Plan for two and a half to three hours to complete this trail. Or pencil in more time if you’re hiking with little ones who might want to take their time along the route.
If you enjoy hiking and the striking Oregon Coast scenery, you won’t want to miss the trek up this thumb-like cliff. Our kids were four, eight, and eight at the time of the hike and hiked the entire trail on their own.
Tips for Hiking God’s Thumb Trail
- Hike Early – Given the limited parking, we recommend planning your hike for early morning. That way, you won’t have to stress about parking and can enjoy optimal weather along your journey on God’s Thumb Hike in Lincoln City.
- Be Mindful of Trail Conditions – As most visitors know, Oregon gets a lot of rain. Depending on the recent weather, the trail conditions might be less than ideal. Keep in mind that the route can get muddy and slippery. Use common sense and proceed with caution. Also, know that the trail from The Knoll to God’s Thumb may be blocked by downed trees from time to time, as the trail isn’t maintained often.
- Stick to the Trail – For the safest and most fun experience, we highly recommend families stick to the trail. There’s so much beauty to be explored in this area, and it might be tempting to wander off along unmarked side trails or climb down to isolated beach areas, but it’s not a good idea. Several hikers have had to be rescued over the years after mishaps in the wilderness surrounding God’s Thumb.
What to Bring to Hike God’s Thumb
Given that this is a lengthier and more challenging trail than many other family-friendly options, we recommend hiking with some essentials to help your journey go as smoothly as possible. Here’s our go-to list when hiking with our family.
Backpack
A backpack is key during a family hike. It’s so nice to have something to hold all of the essentials so you can have your hands free to help little ones along the trail if needed or just feel less weighed down.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key during a hike like this. We also make sure everyone has their own water bottle to sip on as we make our way along the trail.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is so important to keep on hand when planning to spend an extended period of time outdoors. The power of the sun can be deceiving, even in often-cloudy Oregon!
Rain Jacket
Oregon weather can be unpredictable. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we do our best to prepare for all types of weather by carrying a rain jacket or other water-resistant cover during our hikes along the Oregon Coast.
Hiking Shoes
When hiking God’s Thumb, traction is especially important during the final ascent on the steep incline and crumbly ground towards the thumb. This is not a flip-flop type of hike.
If you’re committed to making the full hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes that will help support and stabilize you along the final climb.
Things to Do Near God’s Thumb After Your Hike
There are so many fun things to do in Lincoln City. After you wrap up your hike and grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s best restaurants, check out some of these other area attractions.
Cascade Head
If you’re hungry for another hiking adventure, be sure to check out Cascade Head. It’s a longer hike than God’s Thumb, clocking in at 6.6 miles. The out-and-back trail is split into upper and lower trails. But keep in mind that the upper trail is only accessible during late summer and early fall.
This is another one of the best hikes for families in Lincoln City, complete with spectacular views of Three Rocks and the Salmon River Estuary. Our kids loved the wildflowers and butterflies along this route.
Finders Keepers at the Beach in Lincoln City
Some beach time is a must while visiting this part of central Oregon. But a beach day is made all the more lively and memorable in the town of Lincoln City thanks to their Finders Keepers Tradition.
Over 3,000 hand-blown glass floats are hidden along the city’s coastline each year. And the quest to find one always makes for a fun family adventure.
The glass floats are hidden along the beach spanning from Road’s End in the north, all the way south to Siletz Bay. If you spot one, it’s yours for keeps! The city just asks that you register it at oregoncoast.org so they know it’s been claimed.
Looking for the floats is one of our favorite things to do in Lincoln City. Our family always has a great time during our hunts, and we’re sure yours would, too!
Visit Neskowin Beach
Another one of the most unique things to do in this coastal town is to swing by Neskowin Beach. It’s one of the only places you can spot a ghost forest, which is an area where a coastal forest of Sitka Spruce once stood 2,000 years ago.
Now, all that remains are stumps that are typically covered by the water, but if you visit at just the right time, you might be able to spot them as the water recedes.
Go Tide Pooling
Another must-do activity while spending time in Lincoln City is to go tide pooling. The Oregon Coast is well known for its amazing sea life, and there’s no better way to see this fascinating side of the world than through the tidepools at 15th Avenue Beach.
Depending on the time of your visit, you might be able to join a guided tidepool tour put on by the city. This is a great opportunity for adults and kids alike to learn about the marinelife while marveling at the tidepools.
No worries if you miss the tour, though; exploring the tidepools on your own can also be an amazing family memory.
Where to Stay Near God’s Thumb Trail
Shearwater Inn – Luxury
⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 | 📍 Location: 120 Inlet Court in Lincoln City | 🏩 View on Expedia
There are a variety of exceptional places to stay in Lincoln City near God’s Thumb, and Shearwater Inn is one of the most luxurious. The hotel rooms are so cozy and comfortable, complete with fireplaces and Pacific Ocean views.
While the Hotel itself had few amenities, dining, shopping, and the beach are super close by. Scenery was fabulous! Great views of the ocean from the room balcony. Staff was super friendly and quick to respond to a minor TV problem.
– Tom (Read More Reviews)
The rooms are also super convenient, including a microwave and refrigerator. However, as the rooms are smaller and more ornate, this location is best suited for solo travelers or couples on a romantic getaway.
About a half-mile walk from the God’s Thumb main trail, the lodge’s location can’t be beat! It’s the perfect place to set up a home base during your trip to Lincoln City.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Shearwater Inn
Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort – Mid-Range
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 535 NW Inlet Avenue in Lincoln City | 🏩 View on Expedia
Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort is a wonderful place to stay on a family vacation in Lincoln City. We love this spot because it’s located right on the beach. The hotel offers several different room configurations, from standard hotel room style to more elaborate suites equipped with a convenient full kitchen.
The hotel staff were wonderful and the room was clean and spacious. The insulation was good, couldn’t hear our neighbors and there was a wall of windows to see the ocean, beautiful!
– Kimberly (Read More Reviews)
This spot also offers free wifi and a delicious continental breakfast each morning. At a mid-range price point, it’s a great option and a steal in Lincoln City. Did we mention it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the God’s Thumb trailhead?!
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Lincoln Sands Oceanfront Resort
The Ashley Inn & Suites – Budget
⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍 Location: 3430 NE Highway 101, Lincoln City | 🏩 View on Expedia
The Ashley Inn & Suites is one of the most family-friendly places to stay when spending time in Lincoln City. Rooms range from standard options to junior suites, suites, and multi-room family suites. The Ashley Inn & Suites is an excellent place to consider.
We love that this Inn is pet-friendly, has a hot tub, and includes breakfast in the rate. You’d be sure to have a good time staying at this property.
This hotel has outstanding customer service. Each employee we came across was very nice and helpful. The rooms were clean and the breakfast was great. The location was also very good.
– Trey (Read More Reviews)
This hotel is only a 3-minute drive to God’s Thumb. You could even walk to the trailhead if you don’t mind adding 30 minutes (each way) to your hiking experience. It makes for a longer experience but would take the hassle of parking off the table.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at The Ashley Inn & Suites
FAQ: God’s Thumb
God’s Thumb is located near a residential area in Lincoln City, Oregon. It’s one of the highlights of this Oregon Coast beach town.
Plan on two and a half to three hours to hike God’s Thumb. The timing could vary if you’re hiking with young kids. Or it could be cut shorter if you decide not to do the full climb up to the thumb.
God’s Thumb is nearly four and a half miles long. It’s a moderately challenging hike with a large elevation gain.
This trail is called God’s Thumb, given the thumb-like shape of the rock formation along the ridge line. It’s quite a unique and interesting natural formation to experience in Lincoln City.
The Knoll Loop Trail and God’s Thumb are not the same. Hikers will follow The Knoll’s path at the beginning of their ascent to God’s Thumb.
The Knoll offers a beautiful vantage point where you can stop in an open meadow and take in the coastal view. Then, head back to the trail up toward God’s Thumb.
Conclusion: God’s Thumb
We love spending time on the Oregon Coast. And Lincoln City is one of our favorite places to stop during an Oregon Coast roadtrip. There are so many beaches, restaurants, and hikes to enjoy in this part of the United States.
We hope this guide will help you plan your own adventure to God’s Thumb. Enjoy your time on the trail as well as the beautiful scenery that awaits you after a hike well done!
