Oregon Hikers

Photo of the day:

After the surprise snowfall and cold temps Saturday, I headed out to the coast to find a hike that wouldn't be a slushbomb fest in the warmer temps and sunshine. Bayocean spit had been on my list for about six months, so it was a good time to go.

We started at the trailhead about 8:30, weather was in the upper 30s and partly cloudy. The sun came out about an hour in and stuck around. Fortunately the wind stayed calm to moderate all day. We started the loop clockwise, but crossed over the middle of the spit a couple times and wound up doing a weird figure 8.

One more note for anyone looking for remnants of the town of Bayocean. There is a good interpretive sign about a third of a mile up the gravel road from the trailhead that details the triumph and tragedy of Bayocean. From that sign a trail leads into the old town site, with signage marking the sites of some of the buildings.

I need to check that out, on my list, thanks

Can you solve a Rubic's Cube? I used to be able to but that skill has faded.

retired jerry wrote: ↑

March 15th, 2020, 4:24 pm

Can you solve a Rubic's Cube? I used to be able to but that skill has faded.

Not anymore, but at one point I knew how to.

I had plans for a camping trip there last summer that fell through, so I also scouted out the number of campsites for future reference. It seems like the short distance and no elevation would make this a really easy entry-level overnight trip.

You have to bring in all your water?

Yes, I don't know of any fresh water sources close to the campsites. Although at that distance you could pack in a whole cooler if you wanted.

And while I'm thinking about it, there were sites with enough trees to be hammock friendly if someone wanted to go that route.

This is one of my go-to quick overnights, especially since moving from SE Portland out to Hillsboro. I'm only an hour away now!
There are some nice spots, especially on the connector trail just south of the hills, and then in the dunes just north of where that trail meets the ocean (very close to your 'photo of the day', actually). And yes, I have always carried a full supply of water (and then some) when overnighting there.

Yep, this is good Backpacking value trek. There is a pond/bog in between the bay and the ocean. My trip in May https://adventurecontinues.org/2019/05/04/bayocean-spit has a photo, not sure if the water was contaminated with salt. I plan on choosing this for my wife's first backpacking experience. Very low risk of failure if the weather is good.

Thinking of heading out here for a couple of days. Question, where can one park and not risk getting a ticket or towed?

thanks in advance!

I've parked multiple times at the main location with no issue.
The only restriction is overnight parking of 'occupied vehicles'. It's perfectly legal to park in the lot overnight, as long as you are camping somewhere else on the spit.