There are also several points that can only be rounded at low tide, which is most efficiently accomplished in the summer to early fall given the ocean's temperature and the risk for exposure in the colder months. Seasonal streams must also be considered because there are a significant number of water crossings. The trail, however, is doable year round. The rest of the year can be quite wet, with substantial storms in the fall and winter. This is a narrow window in which to hike the trail, but it is the most highly recommended time. The driest months, and therefore the best time to hike, are mid-June through September. The Pacific Northwest sees as much as 200 inches of rain annually on some areas of the Oregon coast. Undeveloped camping right on the beach is also permitted on some, but not all, of the route's beaches. Or, perhaps, a combination of the two makes sense. There are many well-developed and well-maintained state park and national forest campgrounds near or along the trail, and most offer hiker/biker camps (camping for around $8 per night). With some advanced planning, there are plenty of hotels, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, and/or vacation rentals that can be booked each night. That said, it is certainly possible to complete the OCT in one go, and there are a few different options for overnight stays. Most visitors experience the OCT in small day trip segments, and there are plenty of wonderful overnight possibilities for lodging. There is also the possibility of section-hiking the trail using a vehicle shuttle and avoiding the busy roadway sections altogether. There are other options for modes of transportation: Public buses are available through all counties except for Lane County, there are a few ferry options across some of the major bays and rivers, and hikers can also take private taxis (detailed information is provided in each section guide and on the Transportation Options page). IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIKING THE OREGON COAST TRAIL:Ĭurrently a significant portion of the route is on pavement. Of the roughly 425 miles, a total of approximately 160 miles follows roadways, and the majority of that mileage is along the shoulder of U.S. Highway 101.
PORT ORFORD TO HECTA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE HOW TO
Totaling approximately 425 miles when walked in entirety (380 miles if the recommended water ferries are used to cross coastal bays/river mouths), it is helpful to divide and think about the OCT in 10 sections, with each section covering roughly 35-45 miles each. The trail is unique because hikers have several options in terms of how to complete it: explore and hike solely those portions of trail that call to you thru-hike the entire trail in one-go or section-hike the trail over a longer period of time. The most intimate way to experience what this coast has to offer is on foot, and the OCT allows hikers of all ages and abilities to become more acquainted with this spectacular region. This beautiful, unmatched coastline continues to be preserved for the enjoyment of all. Add to that the state’s progressive Oregon Beach Bill, enacted with major support from Governor Tom McCall in 1967, which declares the entire coastline from the Columbia River to the border of California to be a public easement for recreational use. Patient observers can search for sea lions and seals, gray and humpback whales, and even vast herds of elk history buffs can tour lighthouses that are rich with stories and perched on big vistas and through the entire route travelers will encounter Oregon's charming coastal communities that are each filled with unique character, cozy lodging options, coffee houses, craft breweries, and delicious restaurants serving Oregon Coast food and fare.
Hikers will enjoy landscapes of rugged off-shore sea stacks crowned with Sitka spruce, delve into thick old-growth forests with dense understories of ferns and salal, hike up and over scenic headlands, and watch marine life and sea birds along Oregon’s marine reserves. The opportunities for adventure on the OCT are substantial, and there is a little something for everyone. The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) traces the entirety of what is arguably the most scenic coastline in the United States.
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