Hiking The Oregon Coast

If you have the time, hiking the Oregon Coast is a breath-taking experience. Take a day hike or a couple months to travel the 362-mile Oregon Coast Trail.

The Oregon Coast Trail runs from just over the Washington state border, from the north jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River and finishes just south of Brookings. The majority of the Trail is on the beach, but then winds through state parks and other public lands. 

The sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean, the wildlife, birds and lush foliage are all there to keep you company on your trek. Don't forget binoculars, a camera, bottled water and warm clothing. 

It's especially helpful to have a tide table book and a Point-to-Point Guide along with you. The Guides are available at most local shops along the coastline. While you're there, you may want to consider a whale and bird watching guide as well...just to complete the package and get the most of your times along the Oregon Coast. ;)

It's always important to keep the land around you clean, clear and complete. Being a conscientious traveler makes it nice for everyone now and in the future.

Here are a few important tips to get the most from your journey on foot while taking care of the coastline and trails:

• Stay on the trails. This will keep you clear of poison ivy, snakes and unstable surfaces. There is quite a bit of poison ivy that exists along the Trail, so it's a good thing if you learn to identify it.
  
  
• Make it a point to remain in the middle of the trails that you travel. This will keep the vegetation and soil from being damaged and eroding.
  
  
• Keep right when crossing the path of fellow travelers. Any other people going uphill have the right of way.
  
  
• Be aware that horses and bicycles are forbidden on some segments of the trail, especially on the headlands.
  
  
• Stay single file on marked tails and do not make or take shortcuts. Once again, this keeps the land around you from eroding and reduces scarring.
  
  
• If you are in for a overnighter or more, try to set your camp up at least 200 feet from water areas, such as creeks and rivers. This allows the wildlife to drink freely. Also, the soil and vegetation near water is especially sensitive. Do your best to find a campsite that is pre-existing or is on a flat area, away from vegetation.

• If you bring it with you, take it out with you. Keep the areas clear of debris makes it nice for everyone.
  
  
• You can find some great books regarding hiking the Oregon Coast in the Books section. They'll tell you all the best trails, what to expect and more information to make your adventures pleasant ones. One of my favorites is titled, "120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast."

For additional information, you can contact the Oregon Parks Information Center at 800-551-6949. 

Happy trails to yooooooooooooou! ;)

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