Oregon Coast Trail "Connection Strategy"

The Oregon Coast Trail was deemed "hikable" in 1988, but there are still various critical gaps that limit its capacity for hikers and pose logistic and other challenges for long-distance backpackers.

A comprehensive plan for the Oregon Coast Trail was originally completed in 1972.  In 2005, the National Coast Trail Association completed an both an assessment of missing linkages to realize the vision of a continuous trail and offered various solutions for each one.  This report is providing the framework for the Oregon Coast Trail Connection Strategy process.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is soliciting participation from local communities along the 400-mile route of the Oregon Coast Trail, and land managers, public agencies, trail advocate groups and OPRD staff are being asked to participate in this process to gather input to facilitate solutions to the gaps in the trail.

The goals of this process are as follows:

• Review the gap sites and develop both a short and long-term strategy to connect the gaps in the Oregon Coast Trail; and
• Identify key partners to assist OPRD in raising awareness of the Oregon Coast Trail to the general public.

The first series of input sessions were held from August 11-14, 2009 in Astoria, Newport, North Bend, and Gold Beach, respectively.

The second series of input sessions were held from November 17-20, 2009 in Brookings, Bandon, Lincoln City and Astoria, repsectively.

The National Coast Trail Association participated with input and information in the first series of sessions and will also be present for the second series of sessions in November.  The organization encourages input during this process such that the vision of a continuously connected hiking trail along the entire length of the Oregon Coast can be realized.

 A third series of input sessions are expected during Spring 2010 in various communities along the coast.  Times and locations to be announced by OPRD.

For more information and maps for specific sections of the Oregon Coast Trail please visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department link posted just below, and simply scroll down the page until reaching "Park Trail Plans" and see "Draft Plans" and "Oregon Coast Trail - Connection Strategy."

OPRD Oregon Coast Trail Connection Strategy
 

Please contact Rocky Houston, OPRD State Trails Coordinator, at 503-986-0750 or at rocky.houston@state.or.us for more information.
 ___________________________________________________________________________