Spring has arrived in the Willamette Valley, and it's a mighty fine time to get outside and take a hike! Our real estate agents can think of no better place to do so than the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail. 

True to its name, the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail connects Corvallis to the Pacific Ocean. This trail spans 62 miles and offers one of the region's greatest backpacking routes. Along the way, you'll get to experience unique flora in several distinct ecosystems. 

Creating the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail

Crating a footpath from the Willamette Valley to the Pacific was a dream of local hikers in the Corvallis area since the 1970s. The C2C Trail, as it's often called, was only made possible in the last 20 years or so. 

The C2C Trail Partnership was formed as a non-profit organization in 2003. In the years since, volunteers have put in over 2,500 hours a year to finally make that dream a reality. While the precise route remains subject to change, it currently stretches from the city of Corvallis across the Oregon Coast Range to Ona Beach on the Pacific coast.

Getting Started

The Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail begins at Shawala Point Park in Corvallis, near the confluence of the Willamette and Marys Rivers. 

Hikers are asked to register at the kiosk located at the trailhead. The first few miles of the trail follow a bike path between Corvallis and Philomath before eventually breaking off into the mountains. 

Following the C2C Trail

At a length of 62 miles, the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail typically takes anywhere from 3 days to a week to complete on foot, depending on your fitness level and preferred speed. It's also open to bicycles; most cyclists complete it in a day or two. 

The course of the trail utilizes old gravel logging roads and Forest Service roads, as well as dirt single-track trails, bike paths, and a few sections that follow paved roads. Despite being stitched together, the trail is very clearly marked, with signage that makes it easy to follow. 

Along the way, there are 18 trailheads, 15 of which have parking areas for vehicles. These are convenient options for hikers who are hiking the trail in sections or who may prefer to hike only a smaller portion of it. 

Camping Along the Way

Over the course of a multi-day trek, it's always good to know where you'll rest your head. Fortunately, much of the Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail passes through National Forest lands, where, for the most part, dispersed backcountry camping is allowed. 

The trail also passes through some privately owned lands, and camping on private land is never allowed without permission from the landowner. As you hike, remember to keep your bearings and take precautions to avoid getting stuck on a private section of the trail after dark. 

One of the best places to camp near the trail is the Big Elk Campground in Suislaw National Forest. The campground offers potable water, private campsites, and a large hiker/biker group campsite that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Trail Maps

A quality trail map is always a good resource to have handy when you're hiking any trail. Maps of the C2C trail are available through the official Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail website. Several local businesses also sell printed trail maps and guide sets, including Bike n' Hike Corvallis and Corvallis Cyclery. 

Contact us today to learn more about the adventures that await in the Willamette Valley! If you're looking for the perfect Corvallis or Albany homes for sale, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way.