Break out your hiking gear, and head to the Seaside Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 24. The Friends of the Seaside Library welcome Connie Soper, author of “Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail.” The event will take place in the Community Room at 7 p.m., and there will be book sales and signings presented by Beach Books.

If you have taken even a short walk on any beach in Oregon, you have been on the Oregon Coast Trail. This wonderfully scenic and diverse trail extends nearly 400 miles from the Columbia River to the California border, with over half those miles on sand.

“Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail” provides the information you need to complete the entire trail, or to enjoy segments of it as day hikes. This book also provides insights on chapters of Oregon’s coastal history that make hiking the trail a special experience.

Some highlights of the book are: detailed route descriptions for 40 day hikes, mile-by-mile maps, directions for reaching the start and end points of each hike, logistical information that will help navigate the trail, and the history and personalities that make hiking this state jewel possible.

Soper, a Portland author, has hiked the entire OCT twice and has done extensive research to produce her book. Soper hopes it will inspire people to explore this beautiful natural resource.

Seaside Public Library is located at 1131 Broadway. For more information call 503-738-6742 or visit www.seasidelibrary.org