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Miles of Beaches and Bold Headlands

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The names alone are almost irresistible to an adventurous hiker: North Spit and South Beach, Yachats and Yaquina Head, Devil’s Punchbowl and Dragons Teeth, House Rock and Hug Point.

Oregon’s 400 miles of sandy beaches and bold headlands await. From the Columbia River at Astoria to Brookings, near the California border, oceanside attractions are highlights of the Oregon Coast Trail, a network of bluff-top footpaths and beach trails.

A drive along U.S. 101, the Oregon Coast Highway, puts most of the beach within reach. The trails can be joined from many roadside turnouts or from approximately 50 Oregon state parks, as well as from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

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The trail is signed in many places with mileage numbers and the distinctive Oregon Coast Trail logo, which bears a resemblance to a ‘60s peace symbol. Signage is good at state park trail heads and along woodsy headland trails.

Before you hit the trails, send for the excellent free map-brochure “Oregon Coast Trail Guide” from Oregon State Parks and Recreation, 1115 Commercial St. N.E., Salem, Ore. 97310. Also note that no matter the season, the Oregon coast is often foggy and rainy.

“The trail is a chance to experience the Oregon coast in all its diversity,” says Pete Bond, coordinator of ocean shore and recreational trails for the state parks system.

The longest uninterrupted stretch of trail, Bond says, is the well-signed, 60-mile coast path between the Columbia River at the Washington border south to Tillamook Bay. Many a B & B has sprung up along this stretch of coast, which is appealing to hikers looking for a good meal, a hot shower and a comfortable bed at the end of a long day of coastal hiking. (Summer hikers will need reservations, however.) For the free Oregon B & B Directory, write P.O. Box 1283, Grants Pass, Ore. 97526, or call (800) 841-5448.

For the more casual day tripper, these are some of the best places to explore via the Oregon Coast Trail, from south to north:

* Samuel H. Boardman Park, with 15 miles of trail, is a great sampling of the southern Oregon coast between Brookings and Gold Beach. Highlights include Indian Sands, a series of sand dunes and rows of jagged rock “teeth,” including the famed Dragons Teeth.

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* Sunset Bay Park, on the outskirts of Coos Bay, has a terrific four-mile trail that alternates between fog-wrapped forests and open headland. Watch for the many boisterous sea lions in residence on the offshore rocks.

* Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a 40-mile stretch of sand dunes between North Bend and Florence, is a must-see and must-hike. Oregon Dunes Overlook, in the middle of the dunes, provides access to picnic sites, and hiking trails.

* Oswald West Park, near Cannon Beach, is the trail head for the two-mile trek to the top of 2,500-foot Neahkahnie Mountain. Panoramic views from the peak include both the coast and forested mountains. And nearby Ecola Park has an excellent two-mile trail that explores the “Big Sur of Oregon.” Rugged Tillamook Head offers grand vistas toward Astoria and the mouth of the Columbia River.

Oregon Coast Trail Where: Oregon coast, Columbia River to Tillamook Bay, 60 miles one way. Distance: Many memorable 1-12-mile day hikes. Terrain: Sandy beaches, bold headlands, dunes. Highlights: Deserted beaches, spectacular sea views, historical sites. Degree of difficulty: Easy-moderate. Precautions: Some beaches are best hiked at low tide. For more information: Contact Oregon State Parks and Recreation (503) 378-6305.

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