A trail winds up a steep cliff with the ocean on both sides

Best PNW Hikes: The Thumb via The Knoll

The hike to God’s Thumb winds through a residential neighborhood, a UNESCO Biosphere Region, and a national forest—and offers one of the most stunning views of the Oregon coast.

BY LAURA J. COLE  |  June 17, 2026

Teeming with wildflowers in the spring, The Knoll provides spectacular views of Devils Lake and Lincoln City.

Things to know about hiking The Thumb via The Knoll.

  • The Knoll is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Region, which are areas focused on balancing  biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. There are 797 in the world, spanning 145 countries, and Cascade Head Biosphere Region is the only one in Oregon. It was established in 1976, spans 102,110 acres, and includes the Salmon River and its estuary, densely forested uploads, a two-mile basalt headland covered in native coastal prairie, and a marine reserve.
  • Part of the hike, including The Thumb, which is also referred to as God’s Thumb, is in Siuslaw National Forest, one of only two national forests in the lower 48 states that includes oceanfront. Named after the river and the people, the 630,000-acre forest extends from Tillamook to Coos Bay, and was established in 1908 to preserve spruce, cedar, and Douglas fir trees.
  • Roosevelt elk are frequently seen by hikers here, and are known to spend the night in The Knoll.
  • A portion of the trail winds through a residential area, including on a gravel road.
  • Parking is free but be sure to park in designated areas.
  • The official trailhead is at the end of NE West Devils Lake Boulevard. There are two portable toilets available.
  • Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they’re leashed.

God’s Thumb via The Knoll

Location: Lincoln City, Oregon (about 2 hours from Portland)

Length: 4.8 miles

Elevation gain: 1,180 feet

Trail type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes

Best time to go: Any clear, sunny day, if you want the best views. If you want to avoid mud (which can be slippery on the steeper inclines), go when it hasn’t been raining.

Land Acknowledgement: This trail is on land that was used by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

God’s Thumb via The Knoll

Location: Lincoln City, Oregon (about 2 hours from Portland)

Length: 4.8 miles

Elevation gain: 1,180 feet

Trail type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes

Best time to go: Any clear, sunny day, if you want the best views. If you want to avoid mud (which can be slippery on the steeper inclines), go when it hasn’t been raining.

Land Acknowledgement: This trail is on land that was used by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Things to know about hiking The Thumb via The Knoll.

  • The Knoll is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Region, which are areas focused on balancing  biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. There are 797 in the world, spanning 145 countries, and Cascade Head Biosphere Region is the only one in Oregon. It was established in 1976, spans 102,110 acres, and includes the Salmon River and its estuary, densely forested uploads, a two-mile basalt headland covered in native coastal prairie, and a marine reserve.
  • Part of the hike, including The Thumb, is in Siuslaw National Forest, one of only two national forests in the lower 48 states that includes oceanfront. Named after the river and the people, the 630,000-acre forest extends from Tillamook to Coos Bay, and was established in 1908 to preserve spruce, cedar, and Douglas fir trees.
  • Roosevelt elk are frequently seen by hikers here, and are known to spend the night in The Knoll.
  • A portion of the trail winds through a residential area, including on a gravel road.
  • Parking is free but be sure to park in designated areas.
  • The official trailhead is at the end of NE West Devils Lake Boulevard. There are two portable toilets available.
  • Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they’re leashed.
Spectacular views of Cascade Head can be seen on the way up to The Thumb. Established as a scenic-research area by President Ford in 1974, Cascade Head is the first non-wilderness land in the United States to be designated by Congress, laying the groundwork for future Congressionally designated scenic areas, including the Columbia River Gorge.
The majority of the 3-mile Knoll Loop takes you through lush, coastal forest, full of red alder, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, sword ferns, and seasonal wildflowers, including foxglove, Douglas iris, cow parsnip, and Oregon bigroot.
The trail up to The Thumb is not maintained and erosion is accelerating in parts due to steep grades and heavy foot traffic. The result is exposed cliff edges, loose dirt (or mud), and crumbling soil, that can be unsettling, especially when windy, and dangerous. A few hikers are rescued every year.
Teeming with wildflowers in the spring, The Knoll provides spectacular views of Devils Lake and Lincoln City.
The Knoll loop trail is well-maintained and wide in most places, but is steep in places and tends to be muddier on the eastern part of the trail. I prefer doing the trail counter-clockwise, so both The Thumb and The Knoll are rewards toward the end of what can be a strenuous trail, depending on your fitness level.
While the south side of The Thumb features a rich meadow, the north side (seen here) features the erosion that gives the coastal headland its highly photographed shape.
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