One Teen (and Nearly Four) Needed Rescue from Oregon Coast Cliff - Lincoln City

Published 03/15/26 at 8:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – UPDATE: ONE TEEN NEEDED RESCUE - THREE OTHERS FINE. Video of the rescue has been released as of Tuesday.

A trouble spot for rescuers on the Oregon coast became difficult again this weekend.

At approximately 4:01 p.m. on March 14, 2026, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District #1 (NLFR) responded to a report of a hiker who had slipped on loose rock and fallen roughly halfway down a steep cliff face in the God’s Thumb area near Roads End in Lincoln City. Crews arriving on scene determined the individual was stranded on unstable terrain after sliding down the cliff. Two companions who had been hiking with the victim remained at the top and attempted to reach them but were unable to safely descend the slope.

Incident command was established near Logan Road and NW 64th Street while additional responders moved to the trailhead and beach to evaluate possible access points. Witnesses who saw the fall provided GPS coordinates, photos, and video showing the victim’s position on the cliff, allowing crews to quickly pinpoint the location and develop a rescue plan.

The entire photo from LCPD

Because of the steep, loose terrain and limited safe access for ground crews, NLFR said responders requested aerial assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. The Lincoln City Police Department deployed a drone to provide overhead views of the cliff and help identify hazards. Members of the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team also responded and prepared for potential rope operations if conditions allowed.

LCPD said two additional teens were found standing near the edge of the Lincoln City  attraction, off any established trail. Rescuers directed them back to a safe area.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter arrived and conducted a hoist rescue, safely lifting the stranded hiker from the cliff face. The individual was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for evaluation and later reunited with their hiking companion. The two additional hikers were uninjured and able to self-rescue.

“North Lincoln Fire & Rescue would like to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, Lincoln City Police Department, and the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team for their assistance in bringing the incident to a safe resolution,” the team said. “Officials remind hikers to use caution when traveling in coastal cliff areas, as loose rock and steep terrain can present significant hazards. Staying on designated trails and maintaining a safe distance from cliff edges can help prevent serious accidents.”

Photo NLFR

This part of Roads End and the hiking trail above at God's Thumb have created numerous issues in recent years.

In July 2025, two teens became stranded on a cliff at Roads End Point on the north side of Lincoln City, a popular Oregon coast viewpoint known for its steep, unstable edges. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue responded and during the attempt to reach the pair, one firefighter also became stuck on the cliff.

Oregon's US Coast Guard Saves Two Teens and a Rescuer from Lincoln City Cliff

Lincoln County Dispatch requested help from the U.S. Coast Guard after the situation escalated. According to the Coast Guard’s Northwest District, an MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria flew to the scene and hoisted all three individuals to safety.

Past rescue in this spot: courtesy NLFR

These areas have been the sites of repeated rescues, with six similar calls from mid 2024 to mid 2025, all funded by taxpayer-supported emergency agencies.

In a separate incident in fall 2025, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue responded nearby to reports that a woman in her 40s from Corvallis had been caught in a strong current. She was swept hundreds of feet offshore and down the beach from where she entered the water. NLFR deployed two rescue jet skis within minutes, while the U.S. Coast Guard joined the search with two lifeboats and a helicopter. Lincoln City Police assisted from shore with a drone, and Depoe Bay Fire District added support.

Despite the extensive multi-agency effort, the woman was located and pronounced deceased. Tragic Death in Lincoln City Surf Sunday During Varied Wave Alerts on Oregon Coast -

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

 

Still Some Summer Lodging Deals on Oregon Coast
10 Jun 2026 at 1:01pm
Found in Manzanita and Lincoln City - where to look for more. Lincoln City hotel specials, Manzanita hotel specials. Ocean Inn, A1 Beach Rentals. Lincoln City reviews, Manzanita reviews

5 Astounding Balcony Views on Oregon Coast
Exceptional views and finds around Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport. Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotels, Newport hotel reviews. Tolovana Inn, Shearwater Inn, Inn at Nye Beach, Keystone Vacation Rentals

Moonbreaker Vacation Rental, Lincoln City
Lincoln City hotel reviews. A romantic Cape Cod-style home of two-storied splendor and its own private stairs to the sand. You'll find it on the beach at Lincoln City's peaceful yet dramatic Roads End area, where even whale watching is a good possibility.

Nye Beach Condos and Cottages - Vacation Rentals, Newport Oregon Coast
Adorable cottages with a somewhat historic vibe to sleek, modern units ? all with ocean views or at least a quick beach access. They offer a variety of rentals, ranging from studio condos with one king bed or two queen beds, while the cottages vary in size and configuration. Newport hotel reviews

 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

South Oregon Coast This Weekend: Port Orford's Lighthouse Day with Picnic, History and Music
30 Jul 2026 at 9:35pm
22nd Annual Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 2, at Port Orford Heads State Park. Port Orford events

Thunderstorms Possible Thursday Across Large Sections of Washington, Oregon, Coastlines
2 Sep 2026 at 8:44pm
Thunderstorms likely to hit somewhere in the vast region, but not severe. Weather

Oregon Coast Experts / Law Enforcement: How Not to Get Hit with Vacation Rental Scams
17 Aug 2026 at 8:14pm
Rental advice you may not have heard before, for Oregon as well as Washington. Safety, true crime

Wednesday Night: Man Drowns in Seaside - Armed Standoff Near Oregon Coast Range
30 Jul 2026 at 9:34pm
41-year-old one of two in distress. Man near Chehalem arrested for firing weapon. Rescue, true crime, McMinnville, Hillsboro

SOLVE Sends Out Early Call to Groups, Communities for Oregon Coast Cleanup
19 Aug 2026 at 11:17pm
September 18 - 27, SOLVE's annual Beach and Riverside Cleanup. Astoria events, Seaside events, Cannon Beach events, Manzanita events, Rockaway Beach events, Tillamook events, Oceanside events, Pacific City events, Lincoln City events, Depoe Bay events, Newport events, Waldport events, Yachats events, Florence events, Reedsport events, North Bend events, Coos Bay events, Charleston events, Bandon events, Port Orford events, Gold Beach events, Brookings events

Oregon Coast Incidents: Family Needs Rescue at Lincoln City, Fatal Crash Near Astoria
7 Aug 2026 at 9:30pm
Conditions suddenly changed and the family found themselves stranded. US Coast Guard. Traffic

Stargazing Hotspot on Oregon Coast? Manzanita's Overlooks Have Science Behind the Reputation
11 Aug 2026 at 7:22pm
More things above Neahkahnie than you have dreamt of. Astronomy, odd news, science, weather

N. Oregon Coast Preview: Cannon Beach Events for 2026 Through Winter 2027
7 Aug 2026 at 9:31pm
Summer music, birds; fall is for art and food; next year's events. Cannon Beach Historic Homes Tour, Puffin Walks, Concerts in the Park, Haystack Holidays

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted