Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail: 400 Miles from the Columbia River to California

Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail is the third book on Oregon hiking trails written by Eugene resident Bonnie Henderson. However, this is the first comprehensive guidebook for adventurers seeking to thru-hike nearly 400 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT), which starts at Fort Stevens State Park and ends at the California border. Trailheads would find the book a useful and helpful guide to exploring the five major sections of the OCT, describing elevation profiles, mileage, itineraries, camping or lodging options, and more.

There’s nothing on Earth like the Oregon Coast, and Henderson writes about its pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming towns just as a local would: with lots of reverence and a healthy dose of reality. Much of the trail traverses through towns that require road walking. Safety is paramount to any backpacking trip, and Henderson offers valuable local insights to minimize the time you spend walking on Highway 101 and other roads. Detailed maps and gorgeous photographs complement Henderson’s thorough knowledge of the OCT.

Hiking in a post-COVID-19 world, Henderson explicitly warns about the possibility of private business closures and changes to Oregon State Park policies regarding trail access and camping. 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.