An incredible hike deserves an incredible name like God's Thumb. The cliffside vista also resembles that of a massive thumb I guess too. See all the details you need to know before going here!
About The Hike
This is a coastal Oregon hike that includes a variety of landscapes including coastal forest, plains, and hills. There are two main vistas along the hike, the first being an area referred to as The Knoll and the final vista being God's Thumb.
The Parking
The parking for this hike is tricky to understand and is currently being evolved. The AllTrails Link has been updated with the proper parking area however there are a couple spots on the side of the road near the end of NE Sal La Sea Drive that you can try and snag if you go early.
The issue with parking here is that this area is residential and private property and the signs are plentiful. A few spots are legal if there aren't any new signs by the time you visit.
Parking here will eliminate a tedious road walk up from the Voyage Ave parking.
The Trailhead
The official trailhead is located at the end of NE Port Dr where a gate is locked for cars and only hikers can get around. The signs here are clear for the route and follow a wide track road up the hill for a half mile.
The Knoll
The first stop in will be the Knoll which you can reach as a loop or an out and back style hike. The Knoll is a look out over the town of Roads End from a grassy plains outcropping. The outcropping is a wide sloped piece of land with a mover track to cut a pathway for hikers.
From here you get great views of the beach and houses that rest below.
The trail heads back into the woods before popping out into a couple of meadows and ascending to the final stretch before God's Thumb.
God's Thumb
The highest point along the hike is the top of this meadow hill that looks out to the Pacific Ocean and God's Thumb. The trail to God's Thumb from here narrows and descends through a set of trees before you get to the final climb. This last climb is very steep and eroded but there are many foot holds that act as steps.
I actually preferred the views approaching God's Thumb but the entire area is incredible. Even when the crowds set in, the area has plenty of space amongst the grassy fields to hangout and enjoy a nice day on the coast.
Route Details
There are a few ways to hike and new trails to loop back around are being added to avoid the road walk in place. Check for updates before visiting.
God's Thumb via The Knoll:
Distance: 4.3 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Ascent: 1131feet
Best Time to Visit
You can visit anytime of the year but by the late draught months the plains become mostly dried out and the knolls lose most of their lush green colors that you see in some pictures taken during the spring and summer months.
What to Bring
This hike is substantial and will keep you hiking for a couple hours. There are no facilities or water sources along the trail nor at the trailhead so plan accordinly. The hike is as much exposed in the sun as it is in the forest.
Looking for good reminders of what to bring day hiking? See my 9 Day-Hiking Essentials List for some great tips and reminders.
Any Fees?
Nope - parking and use of this area is free.
Camping?
Nope, definitely not. No overnight parking either. Due to private property and the residential area nearby there are a number of signs that say no camping is strongly enforced and charges will be pressed.
Getting There
God's Thumb is located two hours from Portland, Oregon near the town of Roads End and Neotsu. This area is heavily trafficked so your best bet is to arrive as early or late as possible.
This is also ideal timing to avoid midday sun during the summer.
Hope you enjoyed my everything guide! Be sure to checkout other great hikes and adventures in my Oregon collection!
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This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!