Backpacking The 411-Mile Oregon Coast Trail: A Prologue
In 2016 I finally discovered the joy of hiking. Less than a year after setting foot on the trails of the Spring Mountains outside of Las Vegas, I made a vow to myself that one day I would thru-hike the John Muir Trail.
In 2025 I decided it was time to turn “one day” into Day One. So I started researching, buying and devouring guide books, planning a daily itinerary, slowly upgrading my gear, expanding my backpacking experience, and applied for that coveted permit that would allow me to begin the epic 211-mile journey from Happy Isles in Yosemite National Park to the summit of Mt. Whitney.
But one does not simply fork over $10 for the privilege of obtaining this particular wilderness permit. To help ensure some solitude in nature, and to prevent trails from getting outright destroyed from an unchecked amount of foot traffic, the National Parks system limits the number of people that can enter a trailhead on any given day.
After entering the permit lottery and losing three consecutive times for my target window of early September, I decided to pivot. I wouldn’t give up on my John Muir Trail dream, but it wouldn’t be my first thru-hike.
Instead, I’m choosing the Oregon Coast Trail.
Why The Oregon Coast Trail?
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is roughly 411 miles, with more than 50% of it happening on the beach. As a self-proclaimed Thalassophile, simply the idea of long-distance walks on the beach is a dream. The biggest uninterrupted length of beach I’ve hiked is from Morro Rock in Morro Bay, California to north Cayucos, California — about 6 miles.
That the Oregon Coast Trail exists at all is thanks to the "Oregon Beach Bill,” a law passed in 1967 which reclaimed all Oregon beaches as state-owned land. As a result, the public has "free and uninterrupted use of the beaches" along the entire coastline.
As a Californian, I’m used to small stretches of beach being consistently interrupted by private or business-owned land, so that single detail holds massive appeal to me. From what I’ve heard, it’s also a serious source of pride for Oregonians.
Beyond the bliss of coastal scenery, I’ve always wanted to explore the Pacific Northwest, an area my friend K constantly raves about. The furthest north I’ve ventured is Sonoma Coast State Park in California.
And since K graciously offered to transport me all the way to the Northern Terminus where the trail begins at Fort Steven’s State Park — and to enjoy a good old-fashioned road trip in the process — the reality of making the OCT my first thru-hike has come rapidly into existence.
Bonus points: no permits or camping reservations required at any point for the entire 411 miles!
Follow My Journey!
It’s time to break new ground in my hiking journey, and I want to bring you along for the ride. I’ll be taking extensive daily notes, surely shooting copious amounts of photos, and aiming to publish daily journals of my Oregon Coast Trail experience. All the highs, all the lows, all the lessons.
Join me, won’t ya? You can subscribe for free to email updates by filling out that box above. Every new trail journal will get delivered to your inbox.
Or if you’re a fan of RSS, I’ve got you covered right here.
I think this is going to be an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Happy trails,
~Jason
Jason Evangelho
Member discussion