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Oregon Coast Trail Backpacking Guide – Bandon to Port Orford

Last Updated: September 24, 2026
Dave Collins, a hiker standing in front of huge snowy mountain peaks with a big valley and a turquoise lake in the background in Nepal. By: Dave Collins

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backpacker overlooking the expansive view of the oregon coast with haystacks and wide sandy beaches.

Exploring this beautiful section of the Oregon Coast Trail was a spectacular reminder of how rewarding and diverse backpacking can be. The pristine seclusion of this 30-mile stretch of Oregon coast blew us away. We highly recommend placing this trip on your Oregon backpacking to-do list. You will not be disappointed.

a perfect pacific ocean sunset over the oregon coast with white sandy beaches, beachwood, and abrupt cliffs.
The sunsets and solitude of this hike were a soul-nourishing experience. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

Quick Facts

  • Distance: ~32 miles
  • Time Needed: 3 to 4 days
  • Elevation Gain (approx.): ~800 feet
  • Best Time to Hike: June through September
  • Permits: None
  • Difficulty: Moderate
lighthouse in Cape Blanco State Park on a sunny day
Cape Blanco Lighthouse in its namesake state park on the oregon coast. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

Highlights

  • Pristine beach scenery
  • Surprising solitude
  • Rugged rock formations
  • Magnificent sunsets
  • Abundant ocean wildlife (bring binoculars)
  • Cape Blanco Lighthouse
  • No permits needed
  • Walking on hard-packed sand

Lowlights

  • Three large river crossings
  • Some camping restrictions
  • Shuttle or hitchhike necessary
  • Possibility of strong storms and wind
  • Walking on soft sand

How Long Is the Trek, and When Is the Best Time to Visit?

We spent three days and two nights hiking this roughly 32-mile stretch of beach. We packed light, so the pace of the trip was quite relaxing. It was almost too relaxing, actually – we wanted more walking and ended up taking a couple side trips to add mileage.

We completed this trip at the beginning of April. This trek is open year-round, but it will be best in the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is warmer and river levels are lower. April could have been a tough time for us to cross the rivers, but we didn’t have any issues.

Also, pay close attention storm warnings before your trip. The sea can get very angry on the coast when heavy storms roll in, so don’t take any chances.

Beach campfire on the oregon coast trail just after sunset with rich blue and orange skies
beach fires are usually allowed along the Oregon Coast, but be sure to check restrictions ahead of time – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

How Difficult Is the Oregon Coast Trail?

This trip is about 30 miles with very little elevation gain and three large rivers to ford. When the tide is low, there are large sections of hard-packed sand that make walking easy. When the tide is high (and on some narrow beach sections), you’ll have to walk on softer sand, which will wear out your calves. You’ll only have to walk in soft sand for about 1/4 of the trip, and it’s not that bad.

Print out a tide timetable for the dates of your trip. Be aware of king tides (exceptionally high tides from new moons or full moons) and storm swells that can bring in massive and rogue waves.

backpacker on the oregon coast trail looking out at the massive sea stacks.
Sea stacks were fantastic features along this backpacking route. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

How Challenging Are the River Crossings?

The other possibly challenging element of this trek is fording rivers. The Elk River, the Sixes River, and Fourmile Creek will all require getting your feet wet – likely up to thigh level. We consider these moderate to advanced crossings, depending on the conditions. They will be easy when river levels are low (summer and early fall) and more challenging when the rivers are high.

Don’t be dissuaded from this trip just because of these crossings. Check conditions before you travel, scout out a safe ford, cross a wide section of the river, and turn back if it ever feels unsafe. Our tutorial on backcountry river crossings covers the basics on timing, scouting, and fording.

cliffs plunge down to the sandy beach and blue waters of the oregon coast
Dramatic cliffs and coastlines urged us onward. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

How Do I Get Back to My Vehicle?

You could plan a shorter out-and-back hike on this section, but it’s more common to hike from Bandon to Port Orford (or vice versa) and then shuttle/bus/hitchhike back to where you started. Heading south or north will both be rewarding routes, so choose what’s easiest for you.

The obvious challenge with this strategy is getting back to where you started. You could take two cars, but that rarely makes sense. The Curry Coastal Express is a bus system that runs between the two towns. The stops are at Ray’s grocery store.

Alternatively, you could hitchhike, which is what we did. The 101 runs directly through both towns and is less than a mile from the beach in either town. For that reason, it was very easy to pick up a ride. We got a hitch in about 15 minutes, and the drive took about 30 minutes. Note: If you’re hitchhiking, don’t get in the car if it doesn’t feel right. Tell the car to go on without you and walk away.

We loved beach camping even though it was a little tricky to keep sand out of our tent. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

Where Can I Camp?

In general, you can camp anywhere on the Oregon Coast as long as you’re not in a state park, you’re not within view of any houses, and you’re not in a restricted area. In the Bandon to Port Orford section (see this state park-provided map), some clear restrictions delineate where you can hike and camp on the beach. Additionally, the Oregon State Parks Special Notices page has information on temporary changes, restrictions, and closures.

There’s an 11- to 12-mile section where you won’t be able to camp, starting at Bandon and heading south. The area is restricted due to an endangered bird species: the Western Snowy Plover.

Snowy plovers nest in dry open sand, in tiny, shallow scrapes that are very well camouflaged. Not only are nests easy to miss (or step on), but the bird will abandon its eggs if disturbed too frequently. Restrictions in this stretch limit you to hiking only on wet sand. Fires, dogs, and camping are also prohibited during the nesting season (March 15 to September 15).

If you plan on hiking south from Bandon, start early so you can get past this section. If you are heading north from Port Orford, don’t expect to camp anywhere within 11 to 12 miles of Bandon before your last day of hiking.

a backpacker on the oregon coast trail walks under a natural bridge.
Wandering through the low tide bridges of the oregon coast trail. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

Are Campfires Allowed?

Oregon continues to experience severe forest fires. Though backpackers rarely start them on the coast, there might be strict seasonal campfire/flame restrictions in place when you go to hike the Oregon Coast Trail. Practice extreme caution if you plan on having a campfire, even at a campground. The Oregon State Parks website has a helpful page on current fire restrictions and best practices.

northern red legged frog
An Oregon Native, the northern red-legged frog is recognized by the state as a sensitive species. – photo credit: dave collins (cleverhiker.com)

Are Bugs & Animals An Issue?

Coastal breezes provided us with no bug issues at all. You never know, though, so be prepared. A combination of permethrin on your clothing and a very small amount of 30% DEET on exposed skin will keep you fully protected.

We had no problems with animals, either. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t out there. The Pacific Coast has some well-fed and clever raccoons. Check out our tutorial on protecting your food to avoid any unwanted encounters.

a backpackers backpack and trekking poles resting again a driftwood log on the oregon coast trail
The trail is simply where land meets the ocean. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

What Are the Best Maps & Guidebook for the Area?

Maps aren’t really required for this section because you mostly follow the coast with a couple of bluff walk-arounds. That said, Oregon State Parks has a helpful information page with maps of all the sections of the Oregon Coast Trail, including the Bandon to Port Orford section.

It is always good backpacking sense to carry a printed map and digital map. As far as phone apps go, we like Gaia GPS and Topo Maps+. There are a few places you could get confused, so having some form of reliable navigation is recommended. Oregon State Parks also publishes an annual tide chart that we suggest taking a picture of.

The Backpacking Oregon guidebook is an excellent resource for this hike, as well as many other Oregon backpacking adventures. It provides detailed descriptions of the trail and includes a straightforward, easy-to-read map.

A barefoot backpacker posing in front of a shorline rock formation with a natural bridge on it on the oregon coast trail.
Barefoot backpacking is a rare treat, and we didn’t hesitate to get some sand between our toes. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

How Do I Get There?

It’s pretty easy to get on this “trail,” which is mostly beach walking. Simply navigate to Bandon or Port Orford, hit the beach, and start walking toward the other town. You might encounter parking restrictions in either town if you’re looking to park next to the beach. However, if you drive a short distance away, you’ll find a place to stash your rig.

backpacker standing on a tall cliff providing expansive oregon coast views, bright blue pacific ocean, and bluebird skies.
We were graced with summer conditions on our trip, but be prepared for shifting weather on the coast. – casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

Recreating Responsibly on the Oregon Coast

You’re probably familiar with the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) as a code of conduct to reduce human impact on wild places. Beyond practicing LNT, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association outlines several tips to keep in mind while recreating on the Oregon Coast. From exploring tide pools to protecting Oregon’s silverspot butterfly, this is your guide on how to enjoy and protect the rich landscape.

footprints on the sand along the oregon coast
We hope you make a plan to visit the oregon coast trail – you won’t regret it. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

What Gear Should I Pack?

Make sure to check out our Ultimate Backpacking Checklist, so you don’t forget something important.

Below you’ll find our current favorite backpacking gear. If you want to see additional options, our curated gear guides are the result of many years of extensive research and hands-on testing by our team of outdoor experts.

BACKPACK

TENT

SLEEPING BAG/QUILT

SLEEPING PAD

CAMP KITCHEN

WATER & FILTRATION

CLOTHING

FOOTWEAR & TRACTION

NAVIGATION

FOOD

FIRST-AID & TOOLS

MISCELLANEOUS

rugged coastline and wide rippled beaches in southern oregon
Golden hour on the Southern Oregon Coast. – photo credit: casey handley (cleverhiker.com)

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