Tillamook State Forest

Understand

History

The area of the Tillamook State Forest has been a valuable natural resource to the inhabitants of the area for many thousands of years. The wood and bark from the Western red cedars was used for a variety of purposes including shelters and basketmaking. The natives would travel the rivers and trade the resources of the forest with the tribes on the coast, within the valley, and at the Columbia River.

The area has been burned by multiple large fires throughout the decades including the infamous Tillamook Burn. These were a series of fires starting in 1933 that burnt vast portions of the forest. It was replanted from the 1940s until the 1970s.

Back in the 1800s there were multiple reported fires as well including one that possibly burned most of the Oregon Coast.

The area was likely a rich source of furs for the early trappers and Fort Vancouver. Once the abundance of fur bearing animals ceased to exist and the land sharing treaties expired, the focus was then moved to the wood industry. Railroads were brought in and lumber mills were installed to take advantage of the vast supplies of timber. Once the Chainsaw, trucks, and highways were available the railroads were no longer as profitable and often went unused. The timber is still an important part of the current economy as well as providing habitat for a large variety of creatures.

Landscape

The Tillamook Forest is a temperate rainforest in the Pacific Coast Range dominated by mountains, valleys, and ravines.

Flora and fauna

Douglas Fir with interspersed Grand Fir, Western Red Cedar, Alder, Big Leaf Maple, and Hemlock.

Climate

The climate is much wetter than that of the inland valley due to the mountain ranges and orographic precipitation. The area is still susceptible to Summer heat waves

Get in

From south of Portland, take OR-217 North toward Beaverton. Highway 217 ends at Highway 26. Merge onto Highway 26 West and continue on that road for the next 16 miles. Highway 26 breaks off into a two way fork. Take the left fork onto OR-6 and continue down that road for the next 50 miles. The park is on your right. Turn into the park and you'll find a bridge. There are recreational areas on both sides of the bridge, the closest being to your immediate right. The campgrounds are over the bridge and up the road about 100 yards.

From the north - take I-5 south to 405-south (which is just north of downtown Portland). Take the exit to 26 West and follow the directions above.

Fees and permits

There are no fees charged for day use.

Stay safe

Many people jump off Wilson River Footbridge and the nearby rock into the river below. The depth of the water varies greatly and it can be difficult to judge how deep it is. Therefore, you can never be sure that there isn't something under the surface of the river where you jump. Take extreme caution and jump at your own risk! Just in case, it is good to have someone with you.