God's Thumb
Hike to a dramatic grassy bluff on the Oregon Coast for unparalleled ocean views and a true sense of adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
God's Thumb
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a dramatic grassy bluff on the Oregon Coast for unparalleled ocean views and a true sense of adventure.
"The views are spectacular—on clear days you can see the ocean stretching endlessly."
👟 Boots are a must!
The trail gets very muddy and slick. Good traction is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🅿️ Parking can be tough
Arrive early or consider parking at Roads End State Park and walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Thumb
The grassy bluff
Stand on the edge of the world with breathtaking ocean views. A truly unforgettable coastal panorama.
Coastal Forest Path
Lower sections of the trail
Wander through lush, green forests with ferns and coastal shrubs. A beautiful contrast to the open bluffs.
The Knoll Overlook
Before reaching the Thumb
An excellent viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the coastline and the ocean beyond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Tackle the Trail Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Boots are a must!
The trail gets very muddy and slick. Good traction is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🅿️ Parking can be tough
Arrive early or consider parking at Roads End State Park and walking.
⬆️ Moderate difficulty
Expect elevation gain and some steep, slippery sections. Not for strollers.
☁️ Embrace the fog
Even on foggy days, the moody atmosphere is stunning.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Boots are a must!
The trail gets very muddy and slick. Good traction is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🅿️ Parking can be tough
Arrive early or consider parking at Roads End State Park and walking.
⬆️ Moderate difficulty
Expect elevation gain and some steep, slippery sections. Not for strollers.
☁️ Embrace the fog
Even on foggy days, the moody atmosphere is stunning.
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy the incredible views from the top with a snack or lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
God's Thumb offers a truly spectacular and rewarding hiking experience with breathtaking coastal views. While the trail can be challenging, especially when wet and muddy, the payoff is immense. Visitors love the dramatic scenery and the feeling of being on the edge of the world. Some find the amenities lacking and the trail's steepness a concern, but most agree the views are well worth the effort.
"God’s Thumb is one of those hikes that feels both adventurous and rewarding from start to finish. The trail winds through lush coastal forest before opening up to sweeping meadows and, finally, the dramatic grassy bluff known as “the Thumb.” The views are spectacular—on clear days you can see the ocean stretching endlessly, framed by rugged cliffs and rolling hills. Even on overcast days, the shifting clouds create a moody, dramatic backdrop that makes the scenery unforgettable.
The hike itself is moderate overall, but conditions can make a huge difference. When the soil is dry, the trail is straightforward and relatively easy to manage. However, if it has rained recently or there’s morning moisture, the ground becomes slick and muddy, especially on the steeper sections. The descent is where most hikers find the biggest challenge—slippery soil and loose ground require careful footing and sometimes a bit of scrambling. Good hiking boots with traction (and even trekking poles) go a long way here.
Despite those challenges, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Reaching the Thumb feels like stepping onto the edge of the world, with the ocean sprawling in every direction and the cliffs dropping dramatically to the waves below. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, soak in the views, and maybe even pack a snack or picnic to enjoy at the top.
In short, God’s Thumb is an excellent hike for those looking for a mix of forest trails, open coastal scenery, and an iconic viewpoint. Just be mindful of the weather, prepare for a tricky descent if the trail is wet, and take your time—this is a hike that’s as much about the journey as the destination."
Sid
"A truly wonderful hike, highly recommend. A bit strenuous, but well worth it. Don’t forget to stop to have some marionberries. Thank you Mr. Thumb!"
Courtney Bale
"I was quite fond of the hike onto God's Thumb, but I found both the view and amenities to be lacking. As you can see from the pictures, there was no beautiful blue ocean, just a foggy white sky! On top of that, there were sheer drops off cliffs -- where is the railing!? What if somebody tripped!??? The restroom was simply terrible, skewed at a 20 degree angle with the singular toilet practically overflowing. Mr. Thumb, I enjoyed your establishment, but there is room for improvement! I will not be back until you fix these glaring issues."
Tucker Anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead can be tricky to find parking for. Many visitors recommend parking at Roads End State Park (free) and walking about 12 minutes through the neighborhood to the trailhead. Some suggest parking at the beachside lot and walking about a mile on a road to a forested cul-de-sac with driveway gates.
Be aware that parking is limited and can fill up quickly on busy days.
Public transport options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's best to drive or arrange a ride.
God's Thumb is located very close to Lincoln City, often considered part of its scenic coastal offerings.
While there isn't always a clearly marked 'God's Thumb Trailhead' on all maps, searching for 'God's Thumb, Lincoln City, Oregon' or 'Roads End State Park' will guide you to the general vicinity.
The drive along the Oregon Coast Highway (Hwy 101) to reach the area is scenic. The final approach to the trailhead might involve navigating local roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to hike God's Thumb. Parking at Roads End State Park is also free.
God's Thumb is an outdoor natural area and is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for God's Thumb as it is a public hiking trail.
Restrooms are not available directly at the trailhead. It's recommended to use facilities at Roads End State Park or in Lincoln City before you start your hike.
Yes, the trail is generally open year-round, but conditions can vary significantly with weather.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The God's Thumb hike is considered moderate with some steep and challenging sections, especially when wet. It involves significant elevation gain. +1
The hike is typically around 4.5 to 5 miles roundtrip, depending on the exact route taken. +1
Expect spectacular panoramic views of the Oregon Coast, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding landscape. 
The trail can be unmarked in some sections, so having a map or using a GPS app is recommended.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, layers of clothing, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for dramatic coastal shots. +1 However, foggy conditions can also create unique and moody photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on sunny days.
The main bluff known as 'the Thumb' offers the most iconic views. The Knoll also provides excellent vantage points.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Experiment with different angles from the bluff itself, looking out towards the ocean, and also from the approach to capture the scale of the formation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Visiting during the golden hour before sunset can yield spectacular lighting for your shots. Be prepared for potentially challenging footing, especially on the bluff, to get those perfect, dramatic angles. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail Conditions
While the trail is generally considered moderate, these slippery conditions can elevate the difficulty.
The Iconic Views and What to Expect
+1 Upon reaching the grassy bluff, often referred to as 'the Thumb,' you're greeted with sweeping vistas of the vast Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and the undulating Oregon coastline. Beyond the main 'Thumb' viewpoint, the trail also offers scenic overlooks from 'the Knoll,' providing different perspectives of the coastline.
Parking and Access: A Traveler's Guide
It's important to note that the trail itself is not always clearly marked, and there are no trash cans or restrooms directly at the trailhead.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit