Day Hiking versus Thru-Hiking

The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is well suited to both day hikers interested in exploring specific sections of Oregon’s coast, as well as to thru-hikers eager to complete the full trail from Washington to California in one-go. With the trail passing through dozens of seaside towns, beach communities and coastal state parks, there is ample opportunity for finding lodging, procuring supplies, enjoying a warm savory meal at a restaurant, and more. Having regular access to these amenities is in part what makes the OCT special; what can be called a towns-to-trail experience. There are few other places one can hike such a dramatic landscape by day and enjoy renowned coastal food, fare, and cozy lodging along the way.. 

Both day hiking and thru-hiking have their own unique advantages. Most likely you will know at the onset of your planning which is the right option for you as not everyone will have three to four week window necessary for thru-hiking the trail, and thus day hiking sections between towns and/or incorporating transportation for shuttle hiking will make the most sense. Some of the benefits of day hiking sections of trail are that it allows hikers to hand-pick Oregon’s scenic coastal stretches most interesting to them, checking off various sections over weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. Day hiking may be better suited to allowing for a casual pace to take more time in one area and soak up new discoveries and activities found in the coastal towns and the many state parks along the way, rather than feeling obligated to stick to set schedule and complete the miles that were pre-planned for that day. After all, one of the enticing aspects of the OCT is the diversity of tangential activities that one can do, from beach fat biking to estuary kayaking, crabbing, surfing, and more!

Day hikers may opt to hike between towns, or alternatively, set out hiking from a town/lodging and take a bus, taxi, or private shuttle back to that same spot after hiking, setting up a “base camp” for multiple days of exploring. Day hiking trail sections allows for simpler planning when it comes to lining up lodging and transportation logistics given the more condensed timeframe when compared to a full OCT thru-hike (i.e. a few days versus a few weeks). Day hiking allows hikers to easily skip certain sections of trail, such as those with lengthy roadway stretches, or to make simple itinerary changes for things such as the frequently changing weather on the Oregon Coast. 

Alternatively, thru-hiking the roughly 400 miles of the OCT is a much bigger commitment, both in terms of time and the planning required. None-the-less, this style of exploration will undoubtedly be the preferred approach for many desiring to experience the trail. Thru-hiking is sure to offer an adventure unlike any other in that it is a focused and extended experience, where hikers become immersed in the uninterrupted rhythms of nature and Oregon’s dynamic coastal environment. 

For the thru-hiker, additional planning and considerations such as estimating daily hiking distances and targeted destinations will likely need to be mapped out in advance. Are you an 8 mile-per-day hiker or 15 mile-per-day hiker? Are you determined to hike every mile of the trail or are there stretches you’d consider taking a bus or shuttle through? Are there certain areas you’d like to spend an extra day or two? Are there certain activities you’d like to experience along the way, such as surfing or exploring one or Oregon’s Marine Reserves? The answers to these questions will determine how long you will need to plan for your thru-hike. As a starting point consider that most will need four weeks to hike the full trail.  

Similarly, for those looking to sleep in lodging and have a comfortable bed at night, accommodations, particularly during the busier summer season, will need to be identified and likely booked before starting the hike. For thru-hikers interested in camping or a mix of camping and lodging, camp locations should also be identified in advance. Transportation logistics for much of the trail—including water taxis for crossing three of the coast’s major bays and rivers—should be researched and planned ahead of time. In general, thru-hiking the OCT will require significantly more upfront planning than section day-hiking, as well as demand a larger budget.

Time of year and seasonal weather on the Oregon Coast is important for both day hikers and thru-hikers. Generally speaking late spring through early fall is the nicest time for weather on the Oregon Coast. Temperatures will be warmest then, and rain less likely, although, rain and fog can be encountered any time of year along the Oregon Coast. Summer—Memorial Day through Labor Day—is also the busiest tourism season along the Oregon Coast. Advanced planning will be greatly beneficial if planning a hike during this time.   

Regardless of how you approach hiking the OCT, you are in for a great adventure. To help with your OCT planning, we invite you to explore additional details on transportation, lodging, supplies, safety and more below. 

Safety

When visiting the scenic Oregon coast and participating in recreational activities, safety should be a top concern. Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. Visit the page below to educate yourself.

Transportation

Whether for ferrying across a river, bypassing a road section, or exploring a side adventure or outing, Oregon Coast Trail hikers are likely to use a transportation assist somewhere along their journey. Public transportation, private shuttles and water taxis are all available. Learn more below.