The Oregon Coast Trail Foundation needs your support!
The Oregon Coast Trail connects communities up and down the coast, and has been a destination for hundreds of through-hikers in recent years.
While the trail grows in popularity, the 400+ miles of Oregon Coast Trail need attention. Some of the gaps involve trail work, while others require the infrastructure and logistics of boat shuttles
In 2019, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) sponsored the creation of the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) Foundation to address these gaps. The intent was to eventually transfer full leadership over to the OCT Foundation – a process which started in 2024 in tandem with the publishing of the Oregon Coast Trail Action Plan, a multi-agency collaboration funded by a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant.
*The OCT Action plan was the result of legislation passed in 2017, with the help of former OCVA board member Connie Soper. The law, House Bill 3149, directed state agencies to create an action plan to complete the Oregon Coast Trail by filling in gaps.
Now, the organization is faced with an incredible opportunity to take the next steps of leadership for the future of the OCT.
The foundation has been operated with 100% volunteer power since 2019 – but today this may change, as there is a time sensitive opportunity to accomplish much more, much faster in actualizing trail connections, land acquisitions, and enhancing safety features.
Right now, the OCTF has a potential offer of nearly $460,000 over 3 years to secure their very first full-time staff, but they were advised to increase their current financial base as a prerequisite.
Please help the Oregon Coast Trail Foundation reach its goal of 25 new donors by January 1st, 2026.
If you are able to offer a year end gift to the 501 C 3 foundation, please know that every donor and dollar matters! Time is of the essence for the small volunteer team to diversify their funder base, strengthen their financial foundation, and secure the funds for staffing.
The progress so far:
In June 2025, the OCTF Board of Directors approved their first ever Strategic Plan.
They also published the Micro Mobility of the North Coast & Transportation Systems Plan Overview for Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, and a Fund Development Plan. All these speak to the Oregon Coast Trail Action Plan, which was adopted by the Oregon Legislature and calls out the OCT Foundation as a partner in achieving its goals.
More ways to get involved:
Invested in the future of the Oregon Coast Trail? Here are a few more ways you get involved:
- Join an OCTF fundraising committee: the OCT needs a network of well-connected and accomplished fundraisers. If this is you, get in touch.
- Join a Trailkeers of Oregon (TKO) event! TKO hosts trail parties and overnight backpacking trips all year. This is a great opportunity to volunteer and spend time outside with a community of people who care about Oregon’s trails.
- Join a Salmonberry Trail group hike or work party to learn more about the vision for this piece of the OCT.
- Buy and share Oregon Coast Trail merchandise, including hats, patches, and our new Oregon Coast Trail journal.