The Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail is once again fully connected for hikers, restoring the scenic route from Corvallis to the Coast after nearly a year of partial closure.
(Photo: C2C/Dirty Freehub)
The 60-mile C2C provides routes for both hikers and cyclists, traveling from downtown through the Coast Range before reaching the ocean near Ona Beach.
While the cycling route remained open during the past year, a portion of the hiking route had been closed since fall 2025.
The closure began after private property near the western end of the trail changed ownership. The new owner did not want the hiking trail portion to remain open on their property, cutting off part of the route about five miles inland from Ona Beach.
Lincoln County property records identified the new land owner as Charles P. Wilson, who purchased property associated with an old family homestead. Unlike the previous owner, Wilson planned to actively use the property and did not want the public hiking trail passing through. No-trespassing signs ultimately cut off a critical section of the trail.
The change of land ownership highlights how unusual the C2C is. The trail crosses a patchwork of land controlled by Benton and Lincoln counties, Corvallis and Philomath, the U.S. Forest Service, OSU, and a fair amount of private landowners.
Some of those private access agreements can be revoked, meaning a single property changing hands can disrupt the route. Restoring this section involved several different landowners and agencies in order to stitch the trail back together.
The solution finally rerouted the hiking trail around the property, with the final work completed this month. As of August 27, trail organizers say the entire hiking route is usable again.
The new hiking section is now marked with directional signs, but organizers are encouraging anyone familiar with the old route to check updated maps and navigation information before heading out.
There is also a temporary closure coming up that does affect both hikers and cyclists. A four-mile gated section of Old Peak Road will close between September 3 and September 6, with trail organizers providing a detour for people hiking or riding during that time frame.
The best source of information about the trail, and trail maps, can be found here, on Dirty Freehub.
This article was written by Jackson Hayes, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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