Drift Creek Wilderness, Horse Creek — Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002

Old growth forests in the Oregon Coast Range are about as rare as traffic-free highways in Puget Sound- practically non-existent. The Drift Creek Wilderness in the Siuslaw National Forest contains the last large stand of coastal old-growth in Oregon. This small wilderness area, a mere 25 miles from Newport is worth checking out. Giant firs, hemlocks, and Sitka spruce cling to the ridges and lowlands. Drift Creek itself will remind you of the Olympic rainforests valleys such as the Quinault or the Queets. Abundant boxwood plants however will remind you that you are a few latitudes south. The Horse Creek Trail which begins at an elevation of 1600' drops to 200' over a course of 3.5 miles. The trail is in excellent shape- has great tread and a nice grade. Maps suggest that a trail runs for one mile along Drift Creek connecting the south Horse Creek Trail ford to the Harris Ranch Trail ford- Beware!- This route is practically abandoned. Heather and I crashed the brush following the route that at times appeared as nothing more than a game trail. It is followable- but you will come out of the wilderness wearing elements of the wilderness- we were scratched, trashed, and bashed! But, boy what a beautiful creek- deep pools, gentle cascades and big Sitka spruce! A rare gem in the Beaver State.