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The Thumb via the Knoll Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Lincoln City, Oregon · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from The Thumb via the Knoll 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.
What runners say about The Thumb via the Knoll Trailhead
“There were so many picturesque spots we stopped on the way up too!”
“It’s more moderate than beginner friendly, BUT, it’s a great trail.”
Depending on where you start 3.4 to 4.3 miles total in and out. If it's wet this trail can be a soppy mess and quite treacherous toward the end. Dry its pleasant. Starts pretty steep from the upper trail head. Then up and down the rest of the way.
Over 1000 ft of elevation gain from start to finish, and if you go for the full loop with the Knoll, it’ll be 5 or so miles. It’s more moderate than beginner friendly, BUT, it’s a great trail.
One of my favorite locations I've shot an elopement in the state of Oregon! There were so many picturesque spots we stopped on the way up too! It felt like we went from a fairy forest to the Cliffs of Moher!
An intense hike for beginners but if you're experienced at all it's not bad by any means, just be cautious at the end of the hike! One of the more beautiful hikes I've been on. Love coming back to it every year.
Trail conditions & character
“There were so many picturesque spots we stopped on the way up too!”
“Definitely would recommend bringing food and water for your elopement and take breaks, especially if you're not used to an fast elevation gain on a hike.”
“it does get quite muddy in some parts as well.”
“Over 1000 ft of elevation gain from start to finish, and if you go for the full loop with the Knoll, it’ll be 5 or so miles.”
“Plenty of street parking, but can fill up on busy days.”
Plan your run at The Thumb via the Knoll Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitegodsthumb.info
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
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Friends of the Wildwood Open Space
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Cascade Head
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Spring Lake Open Space
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Peaceful park with a paved path, an easy trail and a kid-friendly hike, plus a lake.