![]() The rhododendron bloom tends to peak along the coast in May, which creates beautiful scenery. This trail is best done in early summer when the weather is warm enough to comfortably backpack but the crowds haven’t become too unruly. The overpowering rains of the Pacific Northwest offer a happy reprieve from June to September. Conditions are always subject to change and I encourage hopeful thru-hikers to always double-check current conditions of potentially outdated sources. It is important to note that many guidebooks list certain water crossings and headland navigation as "easily wadeable at low tide". Umpqua River (call Winchester Bay Charters) Nehalem Bay (wave your arms from across the bay and Jetty Fishery will come to pick you up!) The bodies of water that must be circumnavigated or taxied over include: In these instances, water taxis must be called in advance (and of course budgeted for) or hailed by waving your arms on the beach. One important aspect that differentiates the Oregon Coast Trail from others is the strong prominence of bays, inlets, and rivers that limit a hiker’s ability to hike straight through. Then, at the end of the hike, hikers can hitchhike or take a taxi to Medford to catch a bus back to Portland (the website can be very helpful for these fine-tuned logistics on the fly).įor non-purists who don’t feel compelled to hike every single mile, I strongly recommend hitchhiking as a great way to meet locals, learn local recommendations, and avoid many miles of roadside walking. My suggestion would be to leave your car in Portland and bus or hitchhike from there to Fort Stevens. Furthermore, if hikers were to park at Fort Stevens, it would be a hassle to get all the way back to the remote area after finishing the hike. Parking can be tricky on the coast, as state parks tend to discourage long-term parking. Ridesharing options like Uber are practically non-existent on the coast, but taxis can be called, and hitch-hiking is probably the most affordable and efficient way to go. From there, public transportation options are limited. Hikers coming from elsewhere would likely fly into Portland (PDX), and then take a bus to Warrenton. The trail officially begins at the south jetty of the Columbia River at Fort Stevens State Park. Oregon Coast Trail Planning GETTING THERE: Access and Transportation While this trail does feature epic views and hikers will likely experience solitude on remote beaches, those seeking extreme isolation and rugged backcountry experiences might want to look elsewhere. State parks with affordable hiker-biker camps dot the coastline, which offers a more rugged experience, but those interested in more luxurious accommodations can easily book hotels or Airbnbs in most towns along the coast. Permits are not required, and the spacing of towns along the trail generally allows thru-hikers to resupply at a grocery store in town once per day or once every two days. If you are a beginner backpacker or just looking for an amazing hike with a low barrier to entry, the Oregon Coast Trail is perfect. The incomplete route allows for lots of customization. The trail alternates between beach hiking, beautifully green, muddy, and steep forested trails, sand dunes, rugged cliffy coastline, sidewalks through adorable coastal towns, and some sections following Highway 101. Depending on weather and time of year, hikers might find a tempestuous coast complete with overwhelming solitude, or a crowded beach with happy tourists sunning themselves. Affectionately known today as “the People’s Coast,” Oregon boasts some of the country’s most astounding and terrifying beauty.įor thru-hikers, the Oregon Coast Trail is a study in variety. ![]() Because the trail features extensive beach hiking, the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill, which specified that all beaches were public up to the vegetation line, allowed his vision to become a reality. In 1959, a local geology professor named Samuel Dicken walked the Oregon Coast and envisioned a unified trail to connect Washington and California. Highest Elevation: Neahkahnie Mountain (1680 feet) Start point: the south jetty of the Columbia River at Fort Stevens State Park in Northern OregonĮndpoint: Crissey Field State Recreation Site at the California border (just south of the “Welcome to California” sign) Time to hike: 1 month (give or take a week)
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