Oregon Coast Trail

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The Oregon Coast Trail is a 360 mi (600 km) long-distance hiking path along the Pacific coast of Oregon in the United States. It follows the coast of Oregon from the mouth of the Columbia River on the north to the California border south of Brookings. The trail was created by Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, as part of the state park system of Oregon.

The Oregon Coast Trail at Floras Lake, looking North to the BLM's New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).

1 Trail route
2 Usage
3 Stops along the trail
4 External links

[edit] Trail route

The trail runs roughly north-south along the entire Oregon Coast, closely following the shore. In populated areas it often follows the nearest street to the shore. The northern trailhead is approximately 4 mi (6 km) north of the campground of Fort Stevens State Park, at the tip of the south jetty of the Columbia River. Small parts of the trail leave the beach and take an inland path, usually where rock formations make the beach impassable such as at Cape Kiwanda. Some rocky headlands are passable at low tide.

[edit] Usage

The trail is open to hikers, and in some places, to bicycles and horses. Other parts of the trail are open to hikers only. A map and tide tables are required, since some areas may be traversed only at low tide.

Many of the state campgrounds along the trail have area set aside for Coast Trail hikers at reduced prices. Beach camping is free, but only allowed out of sight of houses and not adjacent to state parks. This limits camping on some areas of the trail to developed campgrounds, inside state parks. The State of Oregon has stated its intention to create more primitive (and free) camping spots along the trail.

Some areas of the trail are pristine and secluded. Hiking from Bandon to Port Orford, for example, offers three to four days of solitude and free camping. Although be prepared to swim across a small river between the two cities. Around 5 or 6 miles into the hike from Bandon, two small streams meet up, merge and run into the ocean. The "river" is calm up where the two streams meet, however, near where it meets the ocean, there is a very strong violent current. Crossing at this point may be dangerous. However, it is nearly impossible to cross without swimming unless it is crossed at an extremely low tide. A local bus service is also available to return hikers to their starting point.

Strong prevailing winds make some areas of the trail easier to hike in one direction.