Hiking the God’s Thumb Trail via the Knoll on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
God’s Thumb is one of the most beautiful places to watch sunset on the Oregon Coast.
However, the popularity of God’s Thumb has definitely taken its toll—from the busy parking situation to the very eroded sections of the trail, particularly near God's Thumb.
That being said, I highly recommend hiking this beautiful trail, but I ask that you do your part to minimize your impact.
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.
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.
The 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.
The 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.
The First Knoll Junction
This is where the Knoll Loop links back up with the main God’s Thumb Trail from earlier.
