Day 4: Manzanita to Netarts

Today was a long day, so I got an early start on a misty and empty beach. The only footprints I saw belonged to deer. When I got to the Nehalem River, two seals kept me company while I waited for the boat to pick me up. After not seeing any seals or sea lions

Day 3: Cannon Beach to Manzanita

Today’s hike was the Oregon Coast Trail in a nutshell. A bit of beach, a road walk, a hike through the woods on a headland, and a bit more road. It also had a good sampling of OCT hazards: tides, closed trails, narrow road shoulders, a tunnel, and a few downed trees. The two trail

Day 1: Fort Stevens to Seaside

Already my second hike of the Oregon Coast Trail is a little different. The start of the trail is in a construction zone. I got my photo, and then had to detour a short way to the end of the parking lot to cut over to the trail where it emerges from the construction site.

Watch your Step: Snowy Plovers Ahead

I was hoping to sight a Western Snowy Plover on my last hike, but all I saw were the warning signs. They line the Oregon Coast trail wherever there are sandy beaches with dunes behind (pretty much the whole trail).

Tricky Stretches: Coos Bay

Day 14 of my hike takes me from Lakeside to Charleston. It’s at the south side of the entrance to Coos Bay. This crossing is a lot like the Umpqua River two days ago. Again, there are two route options: long road walk around, or charter boat across.

Tricky Stretches: Umpqua River

There are two options for the stretch from Florence to Winchester Bay. One includes a long road walk, the other requires a charter boat ride.

Tricky Stretches: Yachats to Florence

The stretch from Yachats to Florence is tricky for two reasons. First, it includes the most dangerous road walk on the whole trail. Second, it’s a really long day if you can’t split it up by camping mid-way.

Tricky Stretches: Cascade Head

Cascade Head is an example of the flexibility of the Oregon Coast Trail. The official route has some road walking and limited views. Depending on the season, there are more enjoyable alternates.

Dodging Vehicles on the Beach

Cars, trucks, and Off Highway Vehicles are legally allowed to drive on the sands on some stretches of the OCT. Tips on where to watch out and how to stay safe.