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The Knoll
4.7 ★★★★★ 383 Google reviews · Running trail in Lincoln City, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Knoll's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Uphill climb to a grassy summit providing ocean and coastal views.
What runners say about The Knoll
“This has an absolutely STUNNING view, but its a solid 3/4 to 1 mile like straight up on a gravel/dirt hiking trail.”
Absolutely amazing view. If you park on the West side of the parking lot (G3). Short hike, moderate level with 30 - 40 degree inclines at some part of the park. Short hike to God's thumb. To get there keep right on Knolls then go left when you see the second split. Once there the pathway to God's thumb is narrow.
This was God's Thumb hike via The Knoll trail. It's about 4.8 miles with multiple up and down steep hills! The oceanview from God's Thumb viewpoint was breathtaking and spectacular!! This is a very popular hike and it can get crowded. Starting early is probably best if hiking on a beautiful sunny weekend!
I recommend. Challenging. Might be hard for kids under 12. There are some pretty steep places and 5 minute inclines. Lots of people on the trail so you are never truly alone make sure you bring water and snack, the trail is humid with dense wet wooded area before you get to the ocean air.
Absolutely breathtaking views of the gorgeous Lincin city coast. To get here you will park on the road, and walk to a gate that says private property. The owner of the property allows trail goers to cross her property to the peak of God's Thumb.
Trail conditions & character
“This has an absolutely STUNNING view, but its a solid 3/4 to 1 mile like straight up on a gravel/dirt hiking trail.”
“We started at the end of Sal de la Sea road at the gate (room for maybe 4-5 cars up there with additional parking down the hill).”
“We started at the end of Sal de la Sea road at the gate (room for maybe 4-5 cars up there with additional parking down the hill).”
“The trail isn't too long, but it definitely isn't maintained, lots of roots, muddy areas and overgrowth throughout the trail.”
“The full loop is about 4 miles, but you can cheat & park at trailhead #2 & get to the knoll easier.”
Plan your run at The Knoll
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetrailspotting.com
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Lincoln City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Knoll Open Space Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area leading through forests to a viewpoint with ocean views.
Roads End State Recreation Site
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,266 reviews
Secluded recreational area featuring a beach, picnicking, a viewing area, restrooms & wildlife.
Cascade Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 296 reviews
Dog-free forested trails over steep headlands with coastal views, home to elk and butterflies.
Friends of the Wildwood Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
Dog-friendly park with walking trails and woodland, plus views of the coastline.
Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 117 reviews
Hiking trail through forests & meadows of a scenic headland with wildflowers & sweeping ocean views.