Hike: God's Thumb via The Knoll, Lincoln City, OR

Getting There

One thing is for sure, don't follow the Google directions!

"This is not a hiking trail. I made the mistake of following the directions. It led me to a private residence. The residence's owner is not a kind man. He stood and blocked my vehicle from exiting his property while scolding me about Google." 

Geezus christ! I used AllTrails to find the "correct" trailhead. In fact there are two. The preferred option is the The Knoll Open Space Trailhead, a cul-de-sac on NE Devils Lake Blvd. There were a bunch of cars parallel parked but I kept going the end of the road and found an open spot, IN THE SHADE, near the trailhead.

From Hwy 101, take NW Logan Road north towards Roads End. When the road begins to veer left, go straight onto NE Port Lane which curves 90 deg R. Continue on NE Voyage Ave to the junction with NE Devils Lake Blvd. Go left to the cul-de-sac. 

The Hike

Length: 4.98 mi
Elev. gain: 1,109 ft
Moving time: 2:00:53
Avg pace: 24:15
Calories: 1,065
Total time: 2:11:15 

I thought about doing this hike the day before, Sunday, because I'd planned to drive north to hike Cape Lookout Trail, south of Tillamook, on Monday. However, it just did some exploring along the coast on both ends of Lincoln City. It was surprised by the humidity despite the temperatures being moderate (70s?). By early afternoon, all I wanted was a shower! I booked a hotel while eating breakfast but had 4-5 hours before check-in.

On my morning walk along the beach north of Roads End, I could see tiny dots (people) on the Thumb. I knew it wasn't a big hike but offered gorgeous views. 

I got a later start on Monday morning. I returned to the same restaurant for the same breakfast (ham & cheese omelette, coffee). I'd gone for a walk in the morning for coffee only to find drive-thru-only places. I even popped my head into a Pig 'N Pancake but the wait was 20+ mins. Fuck that!

On my way, I had to make a few stops: the auto parts store for a seat cover (I knew I was gonna be sweaty after the hike), the grocery store (electrolytes, lunch, dude wipes), a visit to the public loo at Roads End.

By noon, I was ready to go and made my way to the trailhead.

While I was getting ready, I noticed a couple emerging from the trees to the left of the trailhead. I saw it was a more direct route to the Knoll and Thumb but also included some road walking. I saw the counterclockwise route was longer but maybe better.

Four casual hikers were milling around the trailhead signs with their clean tennis shoes and small water bottles. I noted my gear (big day pack with 10 essentials, lots of water and snacks.) I thought about them as I ascended some steep grades.

When I reached the junction for the Knoll and Thumbs, marked by a user on the bottom of a sign, I found the route to the Thumb. If it's merely a "social trail" it's well established from years (decades?) of use, very easy to follow, albeit overgrown in some spots.

I passed several groups of hikers and continue towards my first destination. You can't see God's Thumb until you are almost on top of it at the Lookout, and even then, you have to start going down a steep, rutted trail. 

I know there are some appeals asking hikers to stop at the lookout and not add to the erosion. I chose to go ahead anyway. My justification is weak but I felt like I wasn't adding the erosion (maybe when it's wet and slippery). 

I followed down the hill behind a group of three but took a slightly different route, thus passing them. I zoomed up to the top of the Thumb. The views were incredible. I only stayed up there for a few minutes, as the group of three was making their way up.

I hiked back to the junction and continued on towards the Knoll. More incredible views but less impressive than the Thumb. Maybe would have been slightly better to start with the Knoll and finish with the Thumb. Maybe not.

I saw on the map that there was trail going down the stop hill off the end of the Knoll which reconnected with the main trail. Well, it's there but only a boot-width and a bit hard to follow when you get into the trees.

At only point, I lost the trail. Fortunately, I heard some voices from hikers on the main trail and eventually saw them. I found the trail and rejoined.

I got to a gate and continued back to the trailhead on a gravel road, NE Sal la Sea Drive. I'm glad I took the route I did and didn't start the hike on the road. 2/100ths of a mile shy of 5 miles and just over 1000 ft of elevation gain. So glad I did it.

Unfortunately, I skipped my hike to Cape Lookout. Another time!

Some fun with photo editing: 

Hike: McNeil Point, Mt Hood, Zigzag, OR

Getting There

I took Hwy 26 from Portland to Zig Zag and turn left onto E Lolo Pass Rd. After 4.2 miles, turn right onto Muddy Fork Rd. After 0.7 miles it becomes 1828. Continue for another 5.6 miles until the paved road changes to dirt & gravel, veer right. The Top Spur trailhead 1.5 miles from the last junction.

The parking area was completely full and dozens of cars parked along the shoulder. I only encountered a handful of hikers on the trail leading me to believe most of the cars belonged to overnight backpackers. I crossed paths with many loopers on my way back to the trailhead. But I also noticed that virtually all the cars that were parked on the shoulder had left. 

The Hike

Length: 8.32 mi
Elev. gain: 2,539 ft
Moving time: 4:04:02
Avg pace: 29:19
Calories: 2,150
Total time: 4:20:36 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first hike in almost a month that wasn't a trail work party. Unforunately, I got a late start and didn't get to the trailhead until about 2pm. I knew I had plenty of daylight, I still didn't linger for very long at any one spot to enjoy the surroundings and scenery. When I'd decided to hike this trail, I wanted to hike up to Ho Rock (Cathedral Ridge) but I didn't get there until about 5pm.

Nevertheless, the views on this route are incredible. The last time I was here in late Aug 2023, it was raining and Mt Hood was obscured by clouds. The first time I did this hike in July 2022, I'd gone all the way up to Ho Rock.

I crossed paths with so many backpackers, esp. when I was on my way back to the trailhead. I wasn't feeling great but kept going anyway. When I got to the lakes with the White Pasqueflowers, I met a couple that asked me about my MSHI patch. We chatted for 10-15 mins before parting ways. I thought maybe I'd go as far as the McNeil/Timberline junction then turn back but reaching the shelter was still a goal. I decided it was faster to continue on the loop than double-back. It was the right choice.

The backside of the route is incredible. Great views of the nearby Cascade Mountains (St Helens, Rainier, Adams) and northwestern flank of Mt Hood. 

From the bench near the shelter, the views were incredible. I could see the lakes I passed through earlier. Plus, more views of the Cascades. 

   

I already knew I was taking the "shortcut" back to the Timberline Trail. This was going to be my third time going down the "elevator" shaft. It was familiar but also lots of room for error. I made sure to be take each step carefully. 

Like last time (2023), I met a solo hiker coming up. I thought that they were ascending pretty late and also questioned my need to get back before it got dark. I probably could have stayed up there for awhile and still had plenty of daylight. Plus, it's a well marked trail, there were dozens of backpackers, and I had a flashlight. I may go back again soon and do the extra hike to Ho Rock. (Or, hike from Vista Ridge to Barrett Spur).

This photo was taken at about 5:30pm. See how high the sun in the sky. Plenty of time to linger.