Tillamook Forest Center

Hiking, learning, playing and picnicking by the river, all in the same place: Tillamook Forest Center!

This park is currently closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
For Oregon State Forest sites status check this site:
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/Pages/default.aspx?wp3677=p:1#g_315f0768_e315_4f6b_99c3_01d26b6b4560

Located at the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, this interpretive and educational center offers an amazing opportunity for learning about the forest and local history.

We saw this center multiple times while we were traveling to some location on the Oregon Coast (Highway 6) and I was always telling my kids: we should come here someday. That usually happens with places that are on the way to the coast. But last summer (August 2019) I decided to make it happens and I’m glad I did it because we were really impressed by this place! It has that perfect combination of a learning experience and outdoor activities (so both of my kids can be happy). If you want a similar type of activity please consider visiting Mount St. Helens Visitor Center

The trip

It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from Portland. I love driving on Highway 6 to the Coast, the woods and the views are incredible! For me driving is a very relaxing activity, one of the reasons I don’t mind doing it sometimes for 3 hours to visit a place with my kids and then another 3 more to come back in the same day.

Forest Center: activities

The first thing we noticed when we arrived it was the 40-foot tall replica of a forest fire lookout tower. Heights can be a little bit intimidating for some (like me haha) but it worth it! The view from there is spectacular plus you can learn about the history of this type of job on those days. My kids loved it!

After the tower, we went inside the Tillamook Forest Center. The hands-on exhibits are really outstanding! Educational and also fun! You can learn about the past (including all about the devastating Tillamook Burn), the present and the future of the forest while you are playing and even dressing up in costumes! The Center has a small gift shop too.

After visiting all the exhibits we went outside for our hike. The Wilson River Suspension Bridge is amazing with a great view of the river. Before crossing it you can find tables for having a picnic and snack vending machines. The trails offer beautiful views of the river with beach access and a nice walk into the forest.

I hope you enjoy this place as much as we did it, and in case you are looking for a similar type of experience and activities, please consider visiting: Champoeg State Heritage Area or Mount St. Helens Visitor Center.

Additionally, you can combine this visit with a trip to the Coast (The same day we went to Cape Lookout)

Main features/Amenities

• A great quality exhibition about the past, present, and future of Tillamook Forest.
• Hiking trails with beach access.
• Tables for picnic and benches in the trail.
• 40-foot tall replica of a forest fire lookout tower.
• Parking.
• Restrooms.
• ADA-accessible building and some outdoor trails throughout the site.

Important information

• Location: 45500 OR-6, Tillamook, OR 97141.
• Admission: FREE. Suggested $5 donation & FREE Programs (For planning group visits check the website).
• Seasonal Hours: Winter Closed (Dec-Feb); Spring: Wed-Sun (Closed Mon & Tue), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Summer: Wed-Sun (Closed Mon & Tue), 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day); Fall: Wed-Sun (Closed Mon & Tue), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. (Always take a look at the web page in case some hours change)
• Official Site: http://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/
• Dogs on leash are welcome on the outside grounds and trained service animals are allowed inside the building.