Oregon Coast Hike

I was very fortunate to get away for 4 nights for a solo backpacking trip this December.  I chose to tackle a chunk of the Oregon Coast Trail, since it would be so easy from a weather and logistical perspective.

Trusty ol’ Gramheart ferried me up to Fort Stevens, at the mouth of the Columbia and just across from the Washington border.  From there I simply headed south along the beach.  My travels took me through Seaside, Manzanita, Cannon and Rockaway Beaches.  I went up and over Ecola and Oswald West State Parks.  Occasionally I was on Highway 101, but for the most part I was on a beach or strolling through a muddy old-growth forest.  I even get a boat to ferry me across Nehalem Bay!  I also really lucked out with sunny weather.

The high and low point was when I attempted to bushwhack my way through the closed section of Oswald West.  A massive windstorm had blown down almost every single tree.  It was a ridiculous labyrinth of fallen logs, and the trail was obliterated.  It took me about 2 hours to find my way through a quarter-mile!  Eventually I was able to spot the highway way down in the distance, so I just clambered my way out of the mess.  It was a Fine and Pleasant Misery. 

Once I reached Rockaway, I hopped on a series of buses down to Waldport, where I met up with Rachael and Josef to stay at a beach house for a few days.  It was a fantastic little adventure to have before tax season begins.  I made it about 60 miles, and I hope to pick up where I left off to continue heading south towards California.

For reasons I can’t explain, the photos will appear in reverse order when you click through them.  Therefore, if you want a chronological view you’ll need to click the left arrow below each photo.