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The Knoll Open Space Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 164 Google reviews · Running trail in Lincoln City, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 0.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Knoll Open Space Trailhead'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.
Kid-friendly hiking area leading through forests to a viewpoint with ocean views.
What runners say about The Knoll Open Space Trailhead
“The trail wasn't that, it was truly a well maintained path and just got incredibly steep at points that would make your heart rate spike and slow your pace.”
“The hike isn't too long but there is a lot of incline the route to 'gods thumb' isn't very scenic it's just trees and plants.”
“Parking at Devils Lake rd is easy, ample clearly marked spots.”
Simple hike, it's not too steep and if you take it slow you don't have to stop. It takes about an hour to get to the knoll but it's worth it. There are two ways to get there or make a full trip, where you come in one way and leave another. The parking was updated so that adds to the hike.
Beautiful hike! Good distance, not too busy, this is where you actually park to hike Gods Thumb. There’s a few places in the area that say where you should park, but this is the actual spot. Can be a little scary on the top of the hill but just go as far as you are comfortable with!
The most amazing hike ever! It 100% worked off the blackberry cobbler with ice cream i made last night. Go early and beat the rush. The trail is rocky and shady dirt patches so it will be muddy and slippery when it rains. If you take the trail out to God's Thumb... go all the way. You won't regret the view you see.
Beautiful views, and your body is pushed well but well worth it. Trails are well managed, but there’s a good half mile of muddy areas, wear some boots with good traction. Hike to Gods thumb is steep, some times with larger steps. Be prepared for gaining elevation quickly and with downhill moments.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike isn't too long but there is a lot of incline the route to 'gods thumb' isn't very scenic it's just trees and plants.”
“The trail wasn't that, it was truly a well maintained path and just got incredibly steep at points that would make your heart rate spike and slow your pace.”
“If my understanding is correct, a part of the "loop" took me onto a suburban gravel road, and two other unmarked turns in the loop would've taken me on entirely different trails.”
“The loop takes you out a gate into a residential area where you can follow the road around and to the left to cross back to the main parking.”
“It was just a really steep trail IN PLACES with lots of rocks and roots protruding IN PLACES that you can leverage and step off of.”
“If my understanding is correct, a part of the "loop" took me onto a suburban gravel road, and two other unmarked turns in the loop would've taken me on entirely different trails.”
“There is no trail map or markers, but there is a QR code to scan for one.”
Plan your run at The Knoll Open Space Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance0.5 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
- Websitevillages-head-trail.jany.io
- Phone+1 541-996-2154
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 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
4.7 ★★★★★ 383 reviews
Uphill climb to a grassy summit providing ocean and coastal views.
Roads End State Recreation Site
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,266 reviews
Secluded recreational area featuring a beach, picnicking, a viewing area, restrooms & wildlife.
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
4.7 ★★★★★ 296 reviews
Dog-free forested trails over steep headlands with coastal views, home to elk and butterflies.
Spring Lake Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
Peaceful park with a paved path, an easy trail and a kid-friendly hike, plus a lake.