Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail: 40 Consecutive Day Hikes from the Columbia River to the California Border

If you have taken even a short walk on any beach in Oregon, you have been on the Oregon Coast Trail. This wonderfully scenic and diverse trail extends nearly 400 miles from the Columbia River to the California border, with over half those miles on sand. Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail provides the information you need to complete the entire trail, or to enjoy segments of it as a series of day hikes. This book also provides insights on chapters of Oregon's coastal history that make hiking the OCT a special and unique experience. In doing so, it reminds us to celebrate Oregon's open beaches and not take them for granted. Highlights of the book include:

• Detailed route descriptions for 40 consecutive day hikes along the OCT, beginning at the mouth of the Columbia River and ending at the California border
• Mile-by-mile maps for most hikes
• Driving directions for reaching the start and end points of each hike
• Logistical information needed to successfully navigate the OCT, such as tidal considerations and arranging for boat rides
• Historical and present-day photographs of places visited along the OCT
• Feature articles on the history and personalities that make hiking the OCT possible

Connie Soper first visited Oregon's beaches as a child when she lived in Coos Bay, and she has loved them ever since. She first hiked the Oregon Coast Trail in its entirety over three summers, 2006 to 2008, with many friends and family members. As an active hiker and a former transportation planner, this project was natural for her. She intends to continue walking it forever and to advocate for making improvements to the OCT so that future hikers will be able to experience a fully developed trail. She divides her time between Portland and Manzanita.