Explore Oregon Podcast: Backpack the 400-mile Oregon Coast Trail in style; 5 best 'segment hikes'

Zach Urness and David Davis, Salem Statesman Journal
·1 min read

Explore Oregon · Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail

In this edition of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach interviews Bonnie Henderson, an expert on backpacking and thru-hiking the Oregon Coast Trail.

Henderson, author of the book "Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail: 400 Miles from the Columbia River to California," talks about what makes the trail unique and the best ways to pull off a trip.

Henderson talks about the differences in each segment of the trail — which are most scenic or challenging — while detailing critical factors such as the best season to backpack, why reading tide tables is important and where you'll need to arrange for ferry rides to cross large bays.

The Oregon Coast Trail does allow for staying at lodges, camping at state parks and camping on the beach, and Henderson explains where it's best to do all three.

Bonnie Henderson has written a book about backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail .
Bonnie Henderson has written a book about backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail .

Finally, Henderson breaks down five of her favorite "segments" to backpack — some of the best 2 to 5 day trips that cover from 20 to 60 miles of the trail.

For updates on the status of the trail, see Henderson's website at: hikingtheoct.com.

Previous reporting: Connecting the 367-mile 'unfinished gem' of the Oregon Coast

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This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Explore Oregon Podcast: How to backpack the 400-mile Oregon Coast