OCT: Segment 12 — Baldy Creek to Pirate Cove
Updated: Jan 12
A north central segment along the Oregon Coast Trail from Taft Waterfront Park to Fishing Rock State Recreation Site.
Segment 12 of the Oregon Coast Trail spans the north central coastal area from Baldy Creek to Pirate Cove. It passes through Lincoln City, Kernville, Gleneden Beach, and Lincoln Beach. This section encompasses Siletz Bay, Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Fishing Rock State Recreation Site. I did this segment in two parts — one driven section and one as a section hike.
The Oregon Coast Trail spans 362 miles (according to Oregon State Parks) or 425 miles (according to the Oregon Coast Trail Foundation) of the Oregon Coast from the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south. The trail still has "gaps" in trail that are road walking sections along highways and roads until more trail can be made. The Oregon Coast Trail Foundation works to maintain and expand this interconnected trail system. This long distance trail can be done as day hikes, section hikes, or a thru-hike. There are many ways to recreate and experience this trail and the beautiful coastline it entails.
Blue - driven section | Pink - hiked section
Explore by section:
My Section Hiking Approach
The Oregon Coast Trail is technically incomplete and the road walking sections are "gaps" in trail where no trail exists. So, I decided to do the road sections by vehicle instead of walking on the side of Hwy 101 or other roads that I feel unsafe doing. As more trail is established, I plan to come back and do those sections that were previously road sections. I also plan to add on sections such as capes, spits, and peninsulas to hike as much beach as possible on the Oregon Coast. Some sections I'll do as out and back, round trips when I head out alone and other sections I'll go north or south in a point-to-point hiking style. My intention with section hiking is to cover the Oregon Coast regardless of direction. I don't feel a need for my section hiking to be in a certain continuous direction. I will be trying to do as much of it as possible in a southward direction to avoid winds hitting my front, but besides that my goal is to cover all of the Oregon Coast trail, regardless of how I do it or in what direction. Obviously do whatever feels right for you on your own section hike. My reason for being out is to enjoy exploring and work toward finishing this long distance trail in a way that works best for me and my body.
A note on how I classify "segments"
Taft Waterfront Park to Laurel Street
Mode of access: Vehicle
Access: Road
Direction: South
Distance: 4.5 miles
Points of Interest: Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Date driven: March 21, 2024
I took SW 51st St. from Taft Waterfront Park to Hwy 101. This section definitely had more a city feel. We passed by Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Siletz River when on Hwy 101. Then I took Gleneden Beach Loop Rd to Laurel Street. Laurel Street passed through a quiet neighborhood that hit a beach access point at the end of the road. There is limited day use parking.
Laurel Street to Fishing Rock (Lincoln Beaches)
Mode of access: Hike
Access: Beach, Trail
Direction: South
Distance: 3.13 miles
Ascent/Descent: +62 ft/-17 ft
Points of Interest: Fishing Rock
Date hiked: June 10, 2024
It was a great day for hiking — sunny, mid 50's F, with a nominal north wind. The tide was coming in. What really stood out to me about this section was how beautiful the ocean was. It was powerful, with larger swells, and good rip current. There were different colors of blue to the water and lots of foam.
The beach was slanted and there were little ups and downs most of the way down the beach. This made it pretty but not so fun to hike in since it was mostly-dry or dry sand I was having to make my way over at a sloped angle.
There were people along the beach particularly near beach access points, but it didn't feel overrun with people which was nice. The sand changed texture on and off along this section of beach. Sometimes it was fine and other times it was more coarse.
My mom surprised me by meeting me on the beach near the end of this section about a quarter mile up the beach. She hiked with me back to the car. It was nice to have some company near the end. I was feeling worn from the hiking in loose sand and it was a nice morale boost.
She had already explored Fishing Rock so she showed me all the cool spots and views. We climbed up the trail to the beach access point and then cut to the west following the trail that took us out on Fishing Rock. I have to say, Fishing Rock might be one of my favorite places along the Oregon Coast so far. It's such a cool spot. We didn't see many people and it has great views of the ocean.
The short hike through the forest to the small parking area for Fishing Rock was interesting. As my mom put it, the woods looked creepy. They had a Hansel & Gretel type of feel.
Resources
Area Conditions
Trail Overviews
Information/Maps
Tide
How to get there
My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your safety, any possible injury, or anything that happens if you choose to follow anything on this website. Maps are not intended to be used for navigational purposes, but to give an overview of the route taken. By going outdoors you are solely responsible to know your strengths and limitations, be aware of current conditions and proceed with the appropriate caution. My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your choices and the outcome. Reference my disclaimer for more information on being responsible outdoors.
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