Supplies

 
_mg_1410.jpg

Recommended Supplies

Thru-hikers who plan to camp along the way will need to carry a fully-equipped backpack with overnight camping/backpacking gear. Day hikers can rely on a smaller day pack. Regardless of approach, hikers should make sure to carry the following essentials in their pack: 

  • tide table

  • first-aid kit

  • extra socks

  • rain jacket or poncho

  • clothes for layering

  • headlamp

  • phone or communication device

  • sunscreen and hat

  • drinking water

  • food

  • trash bag (please practice Leave No Trace)

  • rain cover for pack

Some of the hikes include long stretches along the beach without shade or shelter of any kind, and weather conditions can also change without warning. Although a GPS is not really needed for navigation purposes, you might consider carrying one or another distance-tracking device because on some occasions (especially through the dunes) it is not obvious where to exit the beach, and missing an egress can result in backtracking and added mileage.

If you use hiking poles, they are most helpful for trail segments with significant elevation gain and loss, such as those over Tillamook Head, Arch Cape, Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Sebastian, and Humbug Mountain. But poles can be in the way when walking long stretches on the beach or scrambling over rocks, so this is a personal choice.

Another personal choice is the kind of footwear to bring along. Hiking boots with ankle support are helpful for trail hikes, especially those that are muddy or prolific with tree roots. Walking sandals or lightweight athletic shoes are good for long beach stretches (which often involve crossing small creeks or streams) or for those hikes that combine beach and road walking. 

FOOD

The Oregon Coast Trail passes through towns regularly (at least 28 of them) that have grocery stores, cafes, diners, coffee shops, restaurants, and smaller general and convenience stores all with food available. For thru-hikers, sending packages of food ahead of time for resupply is not needed. There are a few stretches of trail that do not have food available for 10-15 miles, but other than that food can be procured along the way.

OUTDOOR GEAR

There are a limited number of stores selling outdoor gear and hiking equipment along the Oregon coast. It is recommended that hikers come to the Oregon Coast equipped with all the gear, equipment and clothing needed to hike the trail. However, If you find yourself in an emergency or arepassing through one of the coastal towns with a shop listed below, you should be able to find some useful items.

Astoria/Warrenton area

  • 1659 VirginaBig 5 Sporting Goods

    180 S.E. Neptune Dr, Ste. B

    Warrenton, OR  97146

    (503) 861-0722

Lincoln City area

  • Lincoln City Sporting Goods

    800 SW Hwy 101

    Lincoln City, OR 97367

    (541) 996-4747

Newport area

  • Big 5 Sporting Goods

    116 S.W. Coast Hwy.

    Newport,  OR  97365

    (541) 265-8335

North Bend/Coos Bay area

  • Big 5 Sporting Goods

    1659 Virginia Ave, Ste. A

    North Bend, OR 97459

    (541) 751-0522