Pacific Coast Trail Its what its all about

I prefer the other Pacific Coast Trail.

I just googled the Pacific Coast Trail. All I got were links to Pacific Crest Trail resources (I already know about that trail…) and a couple trail running pages on facebook. What is this Coast trail? Where can I get some info on it? I have a friend who was really interested in the PCT until he heard it didn't go anywhere near the ocean… perhaps the Coast trail would be more his style?

Or is this one of those roadway "trails?"

As mentioned, there seems to be a lot of confusion between the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Coast Trail. The former is an existing National Scenic Trail along the crest of the Sierra and Cascades, while the latter, on many parts of the coast, is mostly wishful thinking. Scott, what are the author and title of the book you're reading?

There are coastal trails–Oregon has one and so, I believe, does California–but any lengthy trip involves a great deal of road walking (on US 101 or CA 1, which in most places have no shoulders and lots of big RV traffic) to get around the numerous bays and inlets (a packraft might help here, with careful avoidance of high waves and tidal currents). It's also difficult to find legal campsites, with beach camping or any dispersed camping prohibited in many areas. In some areas, access is restricted from March through September, nesting season for the endangered snowy plover.

I would suggest some of the following in lieu of trying to hike the entire Pacific coast: In British Columbia, the West Coast Trail on the west side of Vancouver Island. In Washington there's the Olympic National Park wilderness coast. In northern Oregon, you can do a short overnight between Seaside and Cannon Beach, with a backcountry campsite on Tillamook Head. The Oregon coast is relatively wild between Bandon and Port Orford, where US 101 runs several miles inland and there is little development at the coast. The Oregon Coast trail is continuous through Oregon's spectacular Samuel H. Boardman State Park between Gold Beach and Brookings, but during several day hikes on sections of this trail I could find no place to camp. Across the border in California, there are some coastal trails in Redwood National and State Parks, with primitive campsites available. California also has its Lost Coast Trail, to which can be added Sinkyone State Park. These are all great places for coastal backpacking where you won't run into road-walking problems or be in constant vew of beachfront houses.

I just saw that the last post mentioned the Lost Coast Trail I did that several years back, and still rave it as the best backpacking trip Ive ever done! From views and scenery, to great wildlife, awesome camping, extremely challenging trail conditions. its got it all! if your buddy is looking for a coastal trip…this would be my number 1 recommendation for sure!!

Thanks for clearing that up a bit, Mary. The West Coast Trail in vancouver has been on my list for a while, and it's nice to hear about all those others in the area.

People do indeed hike the pacific coast trail. It's also worth looking at the california coastal trail.

They've significantly improved the maps for the CCT since the last time I visited their website. Last time the maps didn't show much more than a line along the shore. Duh, I could have figured that out myself. Now at least it gives a better indication of where it cuts inland and follows streets. I need to check it out more and see if it's doable by camping along it, or if it's pretty much necessary to pay for accommodations each night.

There's two books that I know of about couples hiking the Pacific Crest Trail…maybe that's what he's thinking of?

"A Blistered Kind Of Love"…

and

"The Cactus Eaters"

I read both the last few months. Interesting reads, maybe I should do a review while they're still fresh.

**edit** : After re-reading the OP's post, and seeing where he was located (Pacific Northwest), and him mentioning the trail intersects along the area he lives, I'm almost positive he means the PCT.

Dug
http://thf2.wordpress.com

SORRY ALL. I was raised on the coast and had that in mind I guess..