Oregon Coast Trail (Section 01): South Jetty to Gearhart
This 14.7-mile section hike of the Oregon Coast Trail starts at the mouth of the Columbia River and explores sandy beaches and the remains of a 100-year-old shipwreck.
Stretching from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border, the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail links sandy shoreline, rugged headlands, and numerous state parks. This northernmost section of the OCT starts at the south jetty in Fort Stevens State Park and travels 14.7 miles to the town of Gearhart.
From the parking area, walk southeast along the jetty to a grassy berm overlooking the beach. Descend the berm, then follow the shoreline to the south-southeast. Near mile 2, the route passes the equestrian beach access parking area on the left and continues to Columbia Beach. (Pack layers: the waterfront can be windy and cold.) Two miles later, hike past the metal skeleton of the Peter Iredale, a ship that ran ashore on October 25, 1906.
Midway through the route, re-fuel with a picnic on the beach. Afterwards, continue south-southeast to Sunset Beach and Del Rey Beach State Park. The section hike ends 0.3 mile south of Del Rey Beach State Park. Pick up your shuttle car, then return to Fort Stevens State Park.
Caution: Do not try to round headlands without knowledge of tide heights and times. Bring a tide chart and a detailed topo map. Free tide tables are available at state park offices, information centers, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center website.
TO TRAILHEAD: Start: Park in Lot C at Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, OR. End: Park on the beach near 10th St. and Neacoxie Blvd. in Gearhart, OR.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Oregon Coast Trail: Section 1
Distance: 14.42 mi
Points: 1349
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
OCT001
Location: 46.226811, -124.013946
The Oregon Coast Trail starts at the south jetty in Fort Stevens State Park. (The park's namesake fort was active for 84 years from the Civil War to the end of World War II.) Walk south from the parking area (Lot C) toward the observation platform.
OCT002
Location: 46.226538, -124.014179
Climb the stairs to the top of the observation platform for photo-worthy views. The south jetty and the mouth of the Columbia River can be seen to the north; the beach extends to the south. Next, hike southeast toward the beach.
OCT003
Location: 46.224414, -124.008624
Turn right and descend a small berm to reach the sandy beach. From here, walk south toward the shoreline.
OCT004
Location: 46.218856, -124.007696
As you hike along the beach, turn around every once in awhile for beach views to the north.
OCT005
Location: 46.214303, -124.004906
Pass a beach access parking lot (Lot B) on the left. Continue south-southeast.
OCT006
Location: 46.204005, -123.997643
Pass the equestrian beach access parking area (Lot A) on the left. Continue south-southeast. Make sure to pack layers, even when it's sunny, this waterfront route can be windy and cold. (The winds come from the north, which is why most people hike north to south.) Ahead: The wreck of the Peter Iredale, a ship that ran ashore on October 25, 1906, slowly comes into view.
OCT007
Location: 46.195711, -123.991892
Scan the horizon for the first views of the Peter Iredale.
OCT008
Location: 46.191952, -123.989265
The remains of the ship slowly come into focus as you hike south-southeast.
OCT009
Location: 46.178404, -123.980992
Stand next to the remains of the Peter Iredale. Its metal skeleton still draws visitors on sunny days.
OCT010
Location: 46.132601, -123.956557
Take a break at the midway point and have a picnic on the beach; use driftwood for benches.
OCT011
Location: 46.098739, -123.942905
Pass the Sunset Beach access on the left.
OCT012
Location: 46.048663, -123.931532
Pass the beach access for Del Rey Beach State Park. The next mile winds through this small park.
OCT013
Location: 46.030975, -123.928549
Pick up your shuttle car and return to Waypoint 1. Hungry hikers can grab a bite to eat around the corner at McMenamins Sand Trap Bar & Grill (10th Street and Marion Avenue).
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