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May 31, 2023 : Kellie Bloggers

Is this real life, or is this just a fantasy?

How is it that I leave tomorrow for the Oregon Coast Trail!?

I have been anticipating this moment for at least two years, and it is a daze of excitement, nerves, and pre-trip house chore chaos. I am also taking lots of time to soak up all the snuggles from our animals.

The Journey

We head out from Spokane, Washington (yes, Gonzaga exists) tomorrow, Thursday, to just outside Vancouver, Washington, where I grew up. Then Friday, we drive the final hour and a half to Astoria, Oregon! Hopefully, we can stop for fish and chips from the Bowpicker. A must-visit on any beach trip! 

What makes the OCT unique?

The logistics of travel, lack of legal camping & water means a short 5 1/2-mile stroll from the mouth of the Columbia River at the Oregon/Washington border to Ft. Stevens State Park. The OCT has some slight logistical challenges that influence daily distances more than daylight or how I feel. For instance, some days include long stretches of state recreation land and city limits where camping is prohibited. Water can be tricky due to salt water and high agricultural and residential runoff. The third and most influential is tides. Most rivers and creeks are impassable, and the sand paths between offshore features disappear at high tide. Thankfully there is an app for that. The NOAA Tide Alert app will be my go-to real-time reference. 

Well, I should get back to panic packing and four-legged children snuggles. I’ll do my best to update frequently and will share this journey on Instagram @kinetickell24 

Thanks for following along, also you’re welcome for getting Bohemian Rhapsody stuck in your head.

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Kellie
May 31st : Kellie
Author Page
Kellie's Bio

Hi! I’m Kellie and I’ll be adventuring out onto the Oregon Coast Trail this June. This will be my first long distance thru hike and I am beyond excited! I’m a fan of all things outdoors, mainly trail running, skiing, and anything that involves bringing our two dogs!

Comments 1

  • marsh : Jun 2nd

    If you like fish and chips, don’t miss the South Beach Deli when you come down off the bridge at Newport.

    The Luna Sea Cafe in Yachats is also very good.

    My only other advice is to camp as high above the beach as possible, especially in the marked Tsunami Zones.

    Reply

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