Lincoln City's God's Thumb and The Knoll

It’s been a long time since I can say we’ve stayed overnight in Lincoln City. Like honeymoon, 1995 long ago when we remember staying in a cheap hotel where the doors sounded like they were being tampered with all night long (probably due to drafty hallways, loose-fitting doors and budget travel). Fast forward 26 years and we had the opportunity to stay in a lovely rental house just a five minute walk from Roads End State Recreational Site.

During our first full day there, the Glovers came out for a day trip and introduced us to some hiking spots they recently enjoyed: the Knoll and God’s Thumb. The Knoll is a much shorter, steep but wide hike up to an amazing overlook over the beach and city while God’s Thumb becomes a bragging-rights trek through deep mud and steep outlook where those who are terrified of heights may find themselves facing those fears or turning back around short of the tippy top.

Follow these instructions [AllTrails] for this 4.3 mile out and back. Be prepared to get muddy throughout much of the year, though lots of off-trail pathways can assist you in getting around the muddiest parts. Of course, you may get lost and have to find your way back to the trail eventually (like we did a few times). But will I be back? You betcha! It is an exhilarating hike unlike many I’ve done.