The Ultimate Guide to Proposing at God's Thumb in Lincoln City, Oregon
Everything You Need to Know About the Hike, the Best Proposal Locations, and Planning an Unforgettable Surprise
A Proposal Above the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is full of beautiful places to propose. I’ve been to a lot of them. However, this one has to be placed in at least the Top 5 Locations To Propose On The Oregon Coast if you ask me. Here’s the full breakdown.
Towering hundreds of feet above the beaches below, God’s Thumb stands out from miles away. If you’re walking the beaches of Lincoln City, it’s the most prominent feature, right at the end of Roads End Beach. It’s peak often hides in the clouds of the marine layer that rolls in at night, but stands out like a beacon in the sun, calling people up to it’s incredible viewpoint. God’s Thumb is no easy hike, but if you’re looking for a memorable place to ask the biggest question of your life…. this is the one.
A Local’s Perspective
I happen to live 2 minutes from the start of this hike. It’s my backyard. Here’s my expert advice on tackling this hike for your proposal.
This hike is not for the faint of heart. On paper, it’s not the longest, and the elevation gain doesn’t really seem that bad, but if you don’t come prepared, you’re partner might say “hell no” before you even start walking up the hill. That would really hurt your chances of getting a solid YES out of them.
There are two entrances to the God’s Thumb/The Knoll hike. Both of them will get you to the same spot, however one is significantly shorter than the other. My suggestion… drive up Sal-La-Sea Dr and park at the very top of the hill. You will drive past one sign that says “The Knoll Parking” and go to the very end until it looks like you’re in a really nice neighborhood. Park under the trees, and you’ll find yourself at the entrance to a large gate where the trail starts. This will save you a lot of time and you won’t have to add on 30-45 min of hiking from the other access point. Here is the Google Maps pin to get you where you need to be going.
Parking for God’s Thumb on the weekends can be absolutely insane. Make sure you’re respecting the local homeowners and always pack out what you pack in. This specific spot should help you avoid some of the parking craziness. If you’re really trying to avoid crowds, go on a weekday. You’ll be a lot more likely to get the place to yourself or at least less crowded.
A Proposal Photographers View
This spot gives you just about everything you need from a good proposal location as a photographer.
When I am looking for locations to set up a proposal, I always try to find somewhere secluded. Most people would imagine God’s Thumb to be a very populated hike, and honestly you’re not wrong. But don’t count it out just because a lot of people frequent the hike… this hidden gem will get you the view and wayyyy less people than the main section of the hike.
The Knoll
Here is your go to spot. Most people will park on the “God’s Thumb Access” to start this hike. That’s inland just a little bit off of Voyager Dr. By starting at The Knoll, you will cut out at least half of the people you’ll see on this hike, and thus, give you a much more intimate proposal. Starting at Sal-La-Sea Dr, you’ll hike up about 15 minutes to a spot that will allow you to cut back towards the south. This hike is very steep, but it is all packed gravel. So take your time, bring a bottle of water, and enjoy being out of the sun. Most of this is shaded and very straightforward. Take a few breaks so the person you’re proposing too isn’t drenched in sweat, and you’re not entirely out of breath for your proposal speech. You’re really close to where I’ll have your bouquet set out, and where you’ll drop to one knee.
Why This Spot Is Epic
Lincoln City is beautiful, and on a clear day you can see the entire thing from here. As you turn back from the main trail, towards The Knoll, you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous meadow filled with purple flowers, and a walkway towards the overlook. This is where I will have the flowers waiting for you. I have several bushes I can hide in, so you aren’t going to have any clue that I’m there. That picture up above is my view of you on one knee. Pretty great shot if you ask me!
If you look through Instagram, you won’t see this as one of the Top Proposal Spots on the Oregon Coast. I like it that way. To be honest, proposing at Cannon Beach is a little overdone, and you’re going to be throwing elbows the entire time to get a free section of sand to propose on. Good luck keeping that somewhat private.
The Hike to God’s Thumb
Alright, you made it happen. The proposal is over, and we are moving on to your engagement photos. Welcome to a photographer’s paradise.
This place is about as Instagramable as it gets. You get to combine the forest, the ocean, wildlife and flowers EVERYWHERE all in one photoshoot. It doesn’t get much better to be honest. And the lighting… there isn’t anything more incredible than a good sunset here. Take a look at the photo above…. its magnificent.
Once you finish things up at The Knoll, you’ll continue your journey towards the God’s Thumb part of this hike. Wandering through the coastal forest is a beautiful experience. Wildlife is everywhere, ferns are covering the landscape, and massive trees tower above you, with a decent path guiding you to your final destination. You’ve already conquered the majority of the elevation gain, but this section goes up and down a bit. After any rain, you will 100% find your shoes covered in mud. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I recommend you propose prior to this section. Keep you and your partner clean for the actual proposal photos, then we can work with the rest after you’ve met me, and your partner knows that they are going to be taking some photos.
Necessities
Like I said earlier, make sure that you bring some water for this hike. Especially on a hot summer day, you’ll be thankful you brought some. Sunscreen is a great choice, especially if you’re pasty white like myself, but most of all, pleaseeeee bring good shoes. If your girlfriend is forced to do this hike in some flimsy sandals or wedges, she is going to kill you. So do everyone a favor and either bring her a second set of shoes in a backpack, or just make sure that she is wearing something suitable to hike in.
Distance
Total distance for this hike is going to be about 3 miles in and out. You’re looking at about 900 ft in elevation gain. If you were to just hike in and out, I would plan on about a 2hr round trip hike… but that’s not really what we are going for now is it? I typically spend 3.5 hours with my couples on this hike. You’ll start about 1.5h before sunset. This will get you to the proposal spot with plenty of light, and then we can work out way up to God’s Thumb for sunset. When we walk back, I’ll have a flashlight or headlamp for you to use if needed.
Best Time to Propose At God’s Thumb/The Knoll
Because winters on the Oregon Coast can be pretty brutal, I don’t recommend that you plan this as your go to spot in the winter time. So between November and March, it’s kind of a no go. You will just end up with 5 pounds of mud attached to your shoes and you’ll be cold and wet. So… spring, summer and fall!
Summer time on the Oregon Coast is straight out of a movie. Most people from the Portland area escape out here in the summer to get away from the heat. It stays a consistent 70 degrees and is absolutely blissful. You’ll find incredible sunsets here spring through fall though, so if that is what you’re shooting for you should be safe.
One thing to keep in mind… the Oregon Coast is moody. The hotter it gets in the valley, the more likely we will have a marine layer creeping inland. This turns beautiful sunsets into dark and moody, Twilight-esque dramaaaa. I love a good sunset, but let me tell you, there is something special about a proposal in the clouds. This is exactly where you will find that too.
The very first proposal I did up here was just like that. I met up with my client’s sister because she wanted to be a part of her brother’s proposal. We ended up hiking to the top of God’s Thumb and sat by a tree waiting for the couple to arrive. It was so cloudy that I felt as if the ground beneath us on the beach didn’t exist. As the clouds passed in and out, I would catch glimpses of Cascade head in the distance. I used to work on medical helicopters out of Newport, Oregon, and this was the closest I had come to recreating that feeling. It was breathtaking!
Spring - Cooler Temps, Less Crowds, Lots of Wildflowers
Summer - Late Sunsets, Busiest Season, Warmest Weather
Fall - The Perfect Mix, My Go To Season
Winter - Dramatic & Moody
Tips for Planning the perfect proposal
Having a plan is really important. Having someone to help you plan is a veteran move. Do that.
I’ve found myself really niched into the proposal world out here on the Oregon Coast. I love the opportunity I have to help pull of such a big moment in epic fashion, in the most epic places possible. Doing that successfully comes with a little planning, and really good communication.
Most people will have cell service out here at God’s Thumb. This makes things easy for us because we can share location services. I can keep track of you the whole way, so I know when you are going to arrive. I’ll have the bouquet set out and ready to go before you get there, and I’ll know exactly when I need to make sure I’m hidden in the bushes.
Most of my clients are coming in from out of town for a weekend getaway. They will plan out dinner reservations somewhere in town - Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay, or Hearth & Table in Lincoln City are my favorites - and then plan to hike to this location for sunset. This is an excellent opportunity to make sure your partner is dressed appropriately. Some people want their proposal and engagement photos to be super candid and natural in normal everyday clothes that fit the hiker vibe. Others want to be fully dressed up and looking great for photos. Whatever you choose, there is a way for us to pull this off without tipping off your soon to be fiancé.
When it comes to clothing, make sure it’s something that is comfortable to hike in. You absolutely do not need to have full hiking gear and look like you’re ready to take on Mt Everest here, but something practical is a good idea. I’ve had client’s girlfriends show up in pants, dresses and jumpsuits. Whatever it is, just make sure that’s what your partner is going to want… these are important pictures. Oh and side note… wear something nice yourself. If there is a certain bomber jacket in your closet that she absolutely hates, do yourself a favor and leave that one at home. What your wearing matters just as much as them.
Final Thoughts
The Knoll and God’s Thumb is one of the coolest locations on the Oregon Coast. It has everything you need to create an unforgettable proposal that will make every single one of your family and friend entirely impressed you pulled off something of such epic proportions. Can you do it alone? Sure - but having a local guide you through the process, help you plan the entire thing, and give you some of the best photos you’ve had taken of you in your life is worth every single penny I promise. Make sure you put time and effort into planning this. It’s a big day and it really deserves your dedication. Trust me, this place is going to blow your mind. Let’s make sure it’s successful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is God’s Thumb Safe
Absolutely, if you treat it with respect. The Oregon Coast is a wild place with massive cliffs, wild animals and dangerous terrain. If you don’t treat it with respect, it probably won’t treat you with respect either. Watch your step, stay on the trail and make sure you watch your footing.
Is The Hike Difficult
This hike will humble you I promise. Your legs will be burning and you will have to take it slow, but the payoff is top notch. Don’t let one steep section right off the bat ruin your dreams of an epic proposal. Dig in and make it happen!
Can Dogs Come On The Hike
Hell yeah! I take my dog on hikes up and down this trail all the time. She loves it! Make sure you keep control of your dog and bring some poop bags and water. They will enjoy the hike just as much as you. Also… who doesn’t want engagement photos with their dog included?
Is There Parking
Parking is limited right beside the entrance to the trailhead, but there are plenty of areas you can park along the road. If it is an extra busy day, just park further down the road and start your hike from there.
Want to see the full gallery? Check this out.
https://pelirrojoproductions.pixieset.com/jtandsierra/
Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for help planning your proposal, click the link below and get in touch. I’ve got all the information and resources you’ll need to pull this off flawlessly. Let’s Go!
