God's Thumb Loop

God's Thumb might be as majestic as it sounds. A large basalt formation jutting out over the Pacific Ocean, God's Thumb provides one of Lincoln City's most expansive views of colorful coves and the grassy premonitory of Cascade Head. The coastal hike has several entry points via The Knoll, though the best for a loop hike begins at The Villages Trailhead -- a dead end cul de sac. Park along the curb and take the trail at the the first turn-off. Take a right and follow the wide walking path to the gate. Once at the gate, follow the road to the right and watch for Sal La Sea Drive and then vere right for the trail at the dead end. The Sal La Sea entry point is another alternative for a shorter out and back hike. The first view point will be the impressive grassy field known as The Knoll. The stroll out to the opening gives way to beautiful forested views and the town of Lincoln City. Devils lake, the estuary of the Siletz River and Government Point at Boiler Bay will be prominent here.Return back to the trail and continue through a mossy spruce forest. At the next junction stay left for God's Thumb -- the alternative direction will loop you back. The trail will pass a narrow meadow before hikers will approach the grassy hillside. A steep downward jaunt coupled with a short uphill walk to the thumb will put hikers right on the tip.After soaking in the outlook, return the way you came and eventually vere left at the next junction. Hikers will descend through forested area filled with bright green ferns, spruce, hemlock and alder before completing the full loop. If traveling this trail in seasons other than summer, be prepared to cake your shoes in mud -- but the wetter the time of year, the greener the moss and forest will be.