Thorn Creek

Thorn Creek is a small tributary of Foley Creek near Barnesdal, Oregon - and is a nice half-day adventure in the Oregon coast range. Looks like a nice one to hit when other creeks are running high. This area is open to hunters; wearing bright colors may be appropriate in season.

We approached from Vermilyea Rd and parked at the first gate on the right past the houses. Make sure not to block the gate. The local logging company allows non-motorized use of the property. You know you’re at the right place if you can see an old wooden bridge. Walk the old road and stay right at the first split. I have gone multiple ways to see the creek and I think the easiest may be just walking up and over the drops on the east side of the creek. The creek has two notable drops and one smaller one at 600ft elevation.

From the end of the road grade, just drop directly into the creek following game trails down to the top of the first falls (located at about ~600ft elevation). It's a short walk between each of the rappels. This creek seemed unusually slippery in Dec 2019. Use caution. Continue downstream 150yrds through some nice bedrock.