"If you are considering a thru-hike of the OCT, but you’re currently on the fence about whether to buy a guidebook or not, rest assured. This book is truly invaluable."
Bonnie Henderson
"The best source for navigating the OCT ... Henderson knows hidden connector trails and insider scoops to reduce road walking and maximize safety and enjoyment of the hike."
HIKING THE OREGON COAST TRAIL
"If you’re seriously planning thru-hiking the OCT or simply dreaming of the opportune time to make the trek, this book offers useful advice to help you successfully plan an unforgettable adventure."
My 2015 book Day Hiking: Oregon Coast can now go back to doing what it does best: help you plan day hikes on the Oregon Coast's trails and beaches.
Available from any book retailer. Are you already on the OCT? You should find Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail at bookstores and interpretive centers along the trail, including Beach Books (Seaside), Cannon Beach Book Company, and Gold Beach Books. (Or get the Kindle version for your phone.)
From vast beaches and lush forests to windswept bluffs and dramatic sea stacks, the stunning wild coast of Oregon is emerging as the next great long-distance hiking experience. The OCT includes 200-plus miles of publicly accessible beaches, as well as established trails through city, county, and state parks and national forest lands.
Breaking the trail into five major sections, each with an elevation profile, Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail provides detailed descriptions of 34 route legs with mileage, maps, resupply options, itineraries, hazards, camping or lodging options, and more. Introductory chapters advise on when to start, what to bring, and what to expect, while sidebars throughout share trail history, flora and fauna, and worthy side trips.
The OCT is a truly singular experience with unique challenges such as finding campsites in some areas and navigating coastal tides, weather, and river mouth crossings. This guide synthesizes everything hikers need to know to plan and enjoy a successful adventure.
With no guide to thru-hiking the OCT available back in 2015, I included tips for thru-hikers in this book. But if you are planning a thru-hike, please use Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail instead. It's way more detailed and up to date. And before you set out, check my website HikingtheOCT.com for even more current info.
Did you just finish a section hike or thru-hike on the OCT? Contact me to share updates and trail hacks so I can share them with other hikers.