Oregon to Launch New 100-Mile Peace Trail in May 2027
The coastal route will feature wayfinding Peace Poles and interactive tools to encourage community cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hiking
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Organizers announced that the Oregon Peace Trail will officially launch in May 2027, spanning 100 miles from Bastendorff Beach near Coos Bay to Brookings. The project, created by the Empowerment Institute, serves as an overlay on the existing Oregon Coast Trail.
Why it matters
The trail aims to draw visitors to the coastline beyond the busy summer season while encouraging participants to engage in peace-building actions. It serves as part of a larger initiative to create cooperative experiences throughout the state.
The initial trail route covers 100 miles, with plans to eventually expand to the full 363-mile coastline. The project incorporates seven distinct peace-building actions and utilizes a network of wooden Peace Poles found across the state.
The players
Empowerment Institute
This organization created the trail project as part of their broader initiative to promote global cooperation.
Jubitz Family Foundation
This organization has been a primary financial supporter of various Peace Pole projects throughout Oregon since 2017.
David Gershon
He is a recognized leader in international peace efforts who previously organized the First Earth Run in 1986.
Clendening
This individual led organized group hikes along the designated trail route in late 2026.
The details
Hikers can access an app designed to explain specific peace actions while traveling along the route. Rotary Club members are tasked with installing wayfinding markers, while the trail initiative itself represents a key part of the Peace On Earth by 2030 mission.
Timeline
2017: The Jubitz Family Foundation began funding Peace Pole projects.
1986: David Gershon led the First Earth Run.
October 2026: Clendening led group hikes along the trail route.
May 2027: The Oregon Peace Trail is scheduled to launch.
2030: The target completion year for the Peace On Earth initiative.
Culture Shift
The project represents a shift toward intentional, value-based tourism by layering ideological themes over established recreational infrastructure. This approach mirrors a growing societal trend of utilizing public outdoor spaces to facilitate community dialogue and personal reflection.
Visitors can expect a new interactive element on their coastal hikes that includes app-based peace activities and clearly marked trail poles. These additions are designed to provide a more engaging experience for those exploring the Oregon coast outside of peak summer tourism periods.
The takeaway
The Oregon Peace Trail aims to transform a traditional hike into an interactive experience centered on cooperation. By integrating digital tools with physical trail markers, participants are encouraged to actively engage with concepts of peace throughout their journey.
What happens next
The trail project is officially scheduled to open to the public in May 2027, with ongoing expansion efforts targeting the full 363-mile coastline by 2030.
Further reading
Learn more about local trails and outdoor activities in the Oregon Hiking section.
More information
For those interested in the initiative, visit the Oregon Peace Trail participant contact form.
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