For those of us who work 9-5 jobs, it’s hard enough to do a big hike like the Pacific Crest Trail. Weekends and holidays are the best opportunities for us to get out there, hit the trails, and explore the backcountry.
However, not all weekend itineraries are created equal, and on a recent 96-mile backpacking trip in Oregon, I discovered one that’s hard to beat. Although the entire Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) runs 400 miles down the eastern side of the state, the weekend-friendly 28 miles between Fort Stevens State Park and Canon Beach are probably its most scenic.
You’ll walk on pristine sand beaches and cross stunningly lush forests, with easy access to camping sites and small seaside towns, all without any permits. Here’s what you need to know to go on this bucket-list-worthy trip.
Oregon Coast Trail: Highlights
I covered the first 96 miles of the OCT, but this 28-mile section was my absolute favorite. The trail is easy to follow and fairly flat; The relative ease of the route allowed me to concentrate and relax on my surroundings.
You’ll also be up close and personal with the mighty Pacific Ocean. Walking for miles on calm sandy beaches, right next to the waves, was a special experience: a reminder of the power of nature, inspiring reflection and introspection.
Sections through temperate rainforests of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and western hemlock feel like something out of a science fiction movie. Everything is so green and alive; The singing of a variety of birds is the soundtrack of your hike.
Typically, Oregon state parks and sites charge a $10 daily use fee, but this only applies to vehicles. Hikers will hike for free in four state parks and recreation sites.
weekend itinerary
On the first day, you will start Fort Stevens State ParkWhich is close to the cities of Warrenton and Astoria. I had arrived the night before and stayed at the campground before setting off. From there, hikers spend 11.5 miles on the beach. Thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill of 1967, which legally required free public access to all of the state’s Pacific shorelines, there has been no development on the beach. Miles of uninterrupted coastline awaits you.
Next, you’ll pass through the small village of Gearhart and the large tourist town of Seaside. Both are great places to stop and grab a coffee, pastry or lunch. During my hike, I stopped for a barbecue pork sandwich Heirloom Deli At Gearhart, and it was stellar.
From there, it’s 5.3 miles through rainforest to the remote, backpacker-only camp at Tillamook Head. The site is free, with toilets and picnic shelter. Set up camp, and then take a short walk to a beautiful viewpoint. Bring enough water, as there are no water facilities here.
day 2 takes you further Ecola State ParkWith breathtaking views of the cliffs and beach. Make sure you take your time and stop at each view; Each viewpoint provides another perspective on this unique landscape. After 10.7 miles, you’ll reach the bustling tourist town of Canon Beach. Grab a drink from a local brewery or enjoy an ice cream cone.
This is the best place to camp Right is for campingA family-owned campground that you can (and should) reserve online. From there, it is possible to get from Canon Beach to your car or public transportation to the airport.
bonus big day
If you have a long weekend and want to spend another day hiking, this is perfect. The third day, where camping is allowed, is a bit dull, but no less beautiful.
Hike 22.6 miles or 23.9 miles to Manzanita (nearest major city) Nehalem Bay State ParkNearest campground. You’ll get to see iconic formations like Haystock Rock, which rises majestically from the sea and is home to tufted puffins.
If you like a little challenge that gets your legs burning and blood pumping, this is the day for you. The track goes up 3,000 feet (and then down 3,000 feet) to Nehakahni Mountain. As you stand above the clouds at the top, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Adding the third day brings the total distance of the trip to 51.9 miles (you can also just walk in circles to make it even 52).
planning and logistics
getting there
The nearest airport to the start of the route is Portland International Airport (PDX). It is possible to take public transportation from the airport to Fort Stevens State Park via a combination of light rail and local bus lines. Learn more about schedules NW Connector’s website.
To get back to the airport, you can catch buses from Canon Beach or Manzanita to Tillamook, which goes to Portland. The total fare is about $20 one way, which is a pretty good deal.
If you’re driving, you may want to coordinate leaving your car at a state park overnight for a fee. Call individual parks to arrange. You can then take public transportation back to your car.
when to go
The best time to visit is June to August. The weather is most stable, and wild flowers are in bloom. The temperature ranges from 50 to 70 degrees, humidity is almost negligible. This part of the Oregon Coast is extremely popular with tourists, so be sure to book your camping spots in advance. Avoid holiday weekends like the Fourth of July.
During the summer, beach towns like Seaside can get quite crowded, but once you get back into the woods, the crowds disappear.
to set up camp
With the exception of Backpacker Camp at Tillamook Head, you’ll want to reserve a spot in advance at all other campgrounds. For Oregon State Parks, you can reserve proceed online. Most of these campgrounds have hiker-biker only sites that cost much less ($8-17) than a normal campsite ($30-57).
You should also reserve a spot Right is for camping ($60/night). If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels, inns, motels and Airbnbs to stay in the many seaside towns along the way. Advance reservation will also be required for these.
Cost
Onboarding OCT can be as cheap or expensive as you want. If you’re on a budget (as I was), stick to hiker-biker campsites and bring your own food. Or, enjoy complete luxury and stay in four-star hotels and dine at local seafood restaurants. It’s truly your own adventure that you can tailor to suit your desired experience and budget.
Unlike many other backpacking trails, no permits are required. As someone who often has to battle Entertainment.gov to get coveted backpacking permits in popular areas, it was a refreshing change of pace to not have to worry about this part of my trip.
Wildlife and other ideas
If you’re camping, it’s best practice to bring bear cans or some other method of bear-safe-approved storage. Although black bears are not common, they have been seen in the area. My main concern was about invasive chipmunks getting into my food, which the bear would also do a good job of protecting against.
You may also spot sea lions or other marine mammals. Take plenty of photos, but make sure you stay at least 50 yards away. Although it’s always a good idea to bring bug spray, I loved that I experienced almost zero mosquitoes on the trail in late June. The winds and proximity of the ocean made these normally pesky insects a non-issue.
And like any other path, stay on the established path and follow it leave no trace of morality. For updates on trail conditions, visit Oregon Coast Trail Foundation.
oct gear
The gear list for this trip is similar to most backpacking trips. If you go in summer, a 20- or 30-degree sleeping bag will be warm enough. I brought a light fleece, and wore it only once. If you’re prone to sunburns like me, packing a sun hoodie is a great option.
This is the Pacific Northwest, so a good rain jacket and a pack cover is essential. Constantly check the weather before your trip to ensure you have the necessary equipment for the conditions in which you will be hiking.
there is one Guidebook for OCTBut if you don’t want to buy it just for weekend trips, downloading the map is a good option. i used onx backcountry mapWhere you can download the complete OCT offline.
