Tillamook Coast Activities

The Tillamook art scene is huge and always growing. Check out the Art Accelerated Gallery on Third Street to find an array of unique art by Tillamook County artists for sale, as well as hands-on classes for kids and adults happening regularly. From writing workshops to dying with indigo, mural painting and the ever-popular monthly Art Walk that encompasses all of downtown, Art Accelerated is bringing art to every corner of Tillamook.

This park is located in Pacific City and provides beach access, parking and restrooms. It’s a nice place to go for a walk on the beach and explore the Nestucca sand spit. The Nestucca River is legendary for 50 pound Chinook salmon.

Sometimes you want to go to the beach to be among people – the raw energy of all those folks congregating in one spot, each bent on enjoying it in their own way, can be pretty electrifying. And sometimes you want to go to the beach to enjoy some isolation in natural splendor – just you, the sand and the vast reaching ocean.

Here’s a ride that offers both environments – and with a fat bike, you can easily spend as much time as you want in either atmosphere.

This is an out-and-back-and-out-and-back route – meaning, you start in the middle and pick a direction. When you hit the end of that, turn around, return to the start, and try the other direction if you want.

Find your way to Pacific City, the heart of the Three Capes Scenic Drive, tucked in below Cape Kiwanda. Here’s where you’ll embark on your adventure. Before you head out, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants if you need to stock up or fuel up, plus parking is free – it’s a great launching point for a ride.

When you first hit the sand, be aware that vehicles are allowed on the beach here. Be careful, because some drivers throw out normal driving behaviors and do questionable stuff; they may not be able to stop quickly in the soft sand. In addition to the cars driving on the beach, dory boats launch and land in this area. Give all motorized vehicles a little space and you’ll be fine.

Let’s arbitrarily have you head south first; if you started at the north end of town by Pelican Brewing Company, you’ll pass along the entire stretch of Pacific City; if you start at the south end by the bridge over the Nestucca River, you’ll be out of town right quick. Make your way down to the North Spit, which is almost entirely occupied by Bob Straub State Park. The sound of vehicles will fade away, and you’ll enjoy some peaceful shoreline isolation. The sand here can be soft and coarse, making it slow to ride on; consider riding at low tide to take advantage of the hard, smooth sand – it’ll make the going much faster and easier.

At the end of the spit, the Nestucca River squeezes out into the Pacific; here you’ll have the beach to yourself, with a view of a spectacular mansion atop the cliff across from the inlet. Looking west, it’s all ocean. Looking east, it’s all the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Soak in the natural wonder of special places like this. And then, as Queen so succinctly put it: get on your bike and ride. As you head back, you may even run into some horse tours. Make sure not to spook the horses by jumping off your bike.

In just a few miles you’ll be back in Pacific City, where you can next-level your ride by climbing the steep, imposing and ridiculously fun dunes of Cape Kiwanda. As you head up and over, make sure to look back and out, to appreciate the various awe-inspiring viewpoints. Once you hit the top, check yourself: Are you ready to try something wild? If the answer is “Heck yes,” or at least “Um… sure?” then grab your brakes, get your weight as far back as you can, and do your best X-Games impression as you bomb down the side of the dune.

Once you’re back on flat ground, make your way north, skirting around the rock features and once again leaving the masses behind, until you hit the small town of Tierra Del Mar. If you want, continue another mile or so until you hit another isolated dead end at the mouth of Sand Lake. Wherever you turn around, simply head back the way you came and experience the dunes from another angle.

Bike resources: The nearest location to rent fat bikes is in Lincoln City at Safari Town Surf.

If you go: Wherever you go fat biking on the Coast, check the tides and try to go during low tide as much as possible. Beware of sneaker waves and stay off rocks and small, enclosed beaches. Respect the sensitive micro-environments, whether it’s birds or anenome you encounter. In particular, it’s critical for people and pets to avoid areas that are closed due to western snowy plover nesting season, March 15-Sept. 15. Look for bright yellow signs nearby Oregon’s beaches and more info about how to protect this threatened species here).

A haven for rare plants, wildlife and grassland communities once abundant along the Oregon Coast, Cascade Head provides critical habitat for native prairie grasses, rare wildflowers and the Oregon silverspot butterfly.

The Oregon silverspot butterfly, federally listed as a threatened species, is known to only five other locations in the world. The butterfly depends on a single plant species, the early blue violet (which grows coastal grassland openings), to serve as food for its larvae. Elk, deer, coyote, snowshoe hare and the Pacific giant salamander frequent the preserve, while bald eagle, great horned owl, northern harrier, red-tail hawk and the occasional peregrine falcon soar in hunting forays over the grassy slopes.

Catch The Wind Kites offers a complete selection of windsocks, kites, flags and wind toys from around the world.

The Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island is a remarkable place. A virtually untouched coastal estuarine ecosystem, it is bounded by the Sand Creek estuary. This is critically valuable habitat for adult salmon moving upstream to spawn and for smolt leaving the inland fresh waters for their marine journey. The area is a ecological potpourri, including mixed woodlands, grasslands, fresh and saltwater wetlands (the Lillian Parker Craft Wetland) and a rare native dune sedgeland. Species run the gamut from salmon and steelhead to shorebirds to deer, otter, and even bear and cougar.

Named after Clay Myers (Oregon Secretary of State 1967-77 and State Treasurer 1977-84), the site joined Oregon’s park system in 2000, thanks to a $2.8 million dollar partnership between the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, Tillamook County Board of Commissioners, and the Trust for Public Lands. For the first time, OPRD relied on the state lottery-backed Parks & Natural Resource Fund to pay for a major addition to the state park system. The site was purchased from sisters Kathleen Craft Shaw and Karen Derungs, who worked with the Trust for Public Lands to assure permanent protection of the area in honor of their mother Lillian Parker Craft.

Cloud & Leaf is an independent bookstore in the heart of Manzanita, Oregon. We are happy to offer recommendations and we can easily order almost anything you’re looking for. We can generally offer free shipping.

A day of fishing is more than just catching that next great fish. It’s about creating experiences that connect us to one another, to nature and everything around us. Pulling from these experience Connect Outfitters focused on ensuring your day is filled with unique experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Connect Outfitters’ primary focus is on the Oregon Coast, where they specialize in saltwater fly fishing for a large variety of species including salmon, rock fish and tuna from May through September and switch gears to focus on swinging beautiful coastal rivers for Winter Steelhead from January through March.

Day Dreamer Sportfishing Adventures is a family owned and operated small business. Darrell Martin will be your Captain for one of the most memorable fun and adventure filled trips that you have ever taken. Come and join Day Dreamer Sportfishing Adventures with your friends and family, and allow them to help you experience your dream.

Garibaldi Charters is a local, 2nd generation family owned and operated ocean charter fishing company. Their captains are experienced, Coast Guard Certified skippers who have lived and worked on the ocean most of their lives. The courteous, knowledgeable deckhands are eager to please, and the boats are fully equipped with modern safety and fish-finding equipment. Come experience Oregon fishing at its best – Garibaldi Charters hopes to make your trip an unforgettable experience, and an exciting adventure.

Grant Rilette Fishing offers guided fishing trips on the Oregon Coast, and they’re excited to take you fishing.

Grant has spent a lifetime learning the local fisheries and is passionate about sharing his fishing adventures with others. He is a licensed USCG Captain, is a licensed and insured Oregon Guide, and maintains his First Aid and CPR Certifications. Living in the beautiful Nestucca Basin, he guides full time and year round on the Oregon Coast.

Greasy Beaks is a full service flyfishing and light tackle charter business serving the North Shore and coastal New England as well as the Oregon Coast. We run trips for striped bass, bluefish and the notorious false albacore in the summer months & Guide for winter Steelhead and Salmon in the Pacific North West. Greasy Beaks is owned and operated by Captain Eliot Jenkins, who is USCG certified and has put in more than fifteen years of chasing fish from Bristol Bay to Key West and beyond..

Greasy Beaks is Orvis endorsed and uses top of the line gear to provide anglers with the best experience possible. We use Hatch reels, GLoomis and Orvis rods, and Scientific Angler fly lines. We also sport Simms apparel and waders.

Guided Horseback Rides on the Beach and Dune Trails of the Oregon Coast from our Summer Stable near Bob Straub State Park in Pacific City, and Mountain Trail Rides directly from our Full Service Boarding Facility in Lincoln City.

You will find that we are the most flexible and affordable guided horse back Outfitters on the entire Oregon Coast.

Haystack Fishing is the premier dory fishing charter company in Pacific City. Run by Joe and Wendy Hay, they will celebrate their 25th year silver anniversary in 2022. Haystack Fishing’s specialty is making dreams come true and creating memories that will last a lifetime. They use a surf-launched dory to get you to the best fishing on the Oregon Coast, minutes from leaving the beach. They offer custom charters and group trips, for fish and crab, and have the best crab eating and cooking place on the coast.

The International Police Museum is the home of an extensive collection of vintage and modern national and international police uniforms and equipment.

The purpose of the International Police Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret police history and heritage of the Rockaway Beach and Oregon police departments, and national and international police departments.

Josh and Jenna Putman have a beautiful Learned Dory boat named the Fish Whistle that we’re launching off the beach daily in Pacific City to go crabbing, fishing and sightseeing with top of the line gear, tackle and bait. Join the fun, and take home some delicious fresh crab and fish. Call or email for booking availability.

Kayak Tillamook County is a kayaking guide service that provides year-round flat-water tours on lakes, bays, rivers and sloughs throughout the North Oregon Coast.

Local Fishing Guide Jason Lewis. Fishing the Columbia River, Willamette River, Wilson River, Trask River, Nestucca river, Sandy River, Tillamook Bay and the popular Buoy 10 Fishery. We believe booking a fishing charter / guided fishing trip should be a great experience!

Mark Lytle provides excellent fishing opportunities as a professional guide using the historic Dory boat in Pacific City, Oregon. Fish for ling cod, dungeness crab, salmon and bottom fish off stunning Cape Kiwanda.

Established in 2010, Moment Surf Company is located at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon. The retail shop is owned and staffed by knowledgeable local surfers and is stocked with clothing and beachwear, surfboards, wetsuits and surf accessories.

They also offer surf gear rentals and lessons, visit website for more information.

The park is home to ancient western red cedar and Sitka spruce. An important salmon spawning ground, Munson Creek Falls tumbles 319′, making it the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range. A short trail winds along Munson creek to the waterfall. During the late fall through the winter watch the waters for spawning salmon.

The long beach and Cascade headland are delightfully pristine. 

During low tide, the Neskowin Ghost Forest is in view. The “forest” features remnants of an ancient Sitka spruce forest with the stumps estimated to be about 2000 years old.

In the town of Neskowin, you’ll find a general store, restaurant and two golf courses amid the lovely ocean cottages. A bit north, you can canoe and kayak on the relatively undeveloped estuary of Nestucca Bay.

There are three stunning trails nearby on Cascade Head. The Nature Conservancy Trail #1435 is usually open year-round and can be easily accessed at Knight’s Park (who knows … you may catch a glimpse of some elk).

The next two are USFS trails in the Siuslaw National Forest. Hart’s Cove Trail #1303 descends about 900 feet in elevation through a Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest, crosses two seasonal creeks and ends at a prairie headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Chitwood Falls cascades off the backside cliff at Hart’s Cove. An unseen cove to the south resounds with the barking of sea lions. This trail closes seasonally from January 1st through July 15th.

Cascade Head Trail #1310 runs north to south within the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area. The Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest here has been studied by foresters since 1934.

This trail is less crowded than the other two popular trails in the area – it is entirely inland and has no viewpoints. Mid-way on the trail near the headwaters of Calkins Creek there remains a grove of six-foot diameter Sitka spruce. The trail has a forested backdrop with large Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, Douglas fir and Red alder. The north end of the trail (north of Forest Service Road 1861) is closed for public safety due to tree hazards.

A map of Cascade Head Trails is available here.

You can also check out the Neskowin Farmers Market in the wayside, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Nestucca Bay Refuge was established in 1991 with the acquisition of short grass pastures to provide wintering habitat for dusky and Aleutian Canada geese. The Nestucca Bay area supports approximately 10 percent of the world population of dusky Canada geese, and 100 percent of a very unique subpopulation of Aleutian Canada geese. It is also an important rest stop for migrating shorebirds and other waterfowl and is used by peregrine falcons and the bald eagle–listed as threatened. The Nestucca Bay and River system supports large runs of native fish species including cutthroat trout, steelhead, and Chinook and Coho salmon. In addition to managed pastures, other refuge habitats include wooded uplands, riparian wetlands, salt marsh, and open meadows. These habitats provide safe haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, mammals, and amphibians.The Neskowin Marsh Unit of this refuge is the southernmost coastal sphagnum bog habitat on the Pacific Coast. It is a rare and outstanding ecosystem with exceptional biological value. In addition to bird and mammal species, the sphagnum bog is home to many unusual and beautiful plant species such as the carnivorous Sundew and a native bog cranberry.

Come visit and explore the trails of Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The patient observer will be rewarded with many wildlife viewing opportunities on the refuge. The Cannery Hill Unit is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are two parking lots on the Cannery Hill Unit. The Pacific View Parking Area has minimal parking so we encourage you to leave your car at the first parking lot and walk the graveled Christensen Road/Trail which is a moderately difficult, 15 minute one way trip that leads you to the Pacific View Trail. Be mindful that you will be sharing the roadway with cars. On the Pacific View Trail you will experience an easy, 10 minute walk on a paved surface with rest benches. The trail ends at an observation deck where you will be treated to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, Haystack Rock, Nestucca Bay, the Coast Range, and the Little Nestucca River.

Step back in time and experience a bit of yesteryear. Enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast line by riding the rail behind a 1910 Heisler Steam Locomotive. This scenic trip chugs along Tillamook Bay and gives passengers views of the ocean. Great for all ages, this trip will give you a glimpse into history.

Charlie is a third generation Oregonian living in Pacific City. His rich, local family history, combined with his extensive background leading tours, makes him an ideal guide. Guests are sure to have an unforgettable time touring the Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast. Join him on the Willamette Valley Vineyards Extravaganza, Three Capes Scenic Loop, Pacific Sunset Adventure, Pacific City Historical Tour or a private tour.

Pacific City Fly Fishing & Guide Service is known as the “biggest little fly shop” on the Oregon Coast. They have been providing quality fly fishing tackle at low prices and professional guide service for over ten years on the Nestucca River, Town Lake, Hebo Lake and Pacific Ocean. The owners of Pacific City Fly Fishing & Guide Service have honed their craft over the past fifty years while fishing the waters of the Pacific West Coast from Alaska to Mexico.

Paschke Guide Service offers fishing trips down beautiful coastal rivers. Enjoy the adventure, wildlife and learning about fishing techniques.

Riding ATVs on the sand dunes is great family fun! Rent a quad or a mini dune buggy from Sandlake Tsunami ATV Rental and explore scenic Sandlake Dunes overlooking the beach on the Oregon Coast. They’re located just 3 miles from Sandlake Dunes Recreation Area. These ocean view dunes are only 12 minutes from Pacific City, 20 minutes from Tillamook, and 2 hours from Portland, Oregon. Camping and rental homes are nearby.

By appointment. Please book online.

Stretching from the lush forests of the coastal mountains to the unique Oregon Dunes and on into the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, visitors have a stunning choice of opportunities. One can find activities to suit every taste: from spectacular mountain views to beach combing, from whale watching to exploring the forest or dunes, the Siuslaw National Forest offers something for everyone.

Highlights include great views, guided hikes and a visitor center at Cape Perpetua; and miles of sand dunes for hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, dune buggy and horseback riding opportunities. Several trails lead to large, old growth Douglas fir, Cedar and Sitka spruce trees.

To help you plan your trip, we have divided the Highway 101 corridor into three large recreation areas that can be reached from the major highways from the Willamette Valley. We hope you find this an easy and useful way to plan your trip.

• Tillamook to Newport
• Newport to Florence
• Florence to Coos Bay

Jump to recreation conditions report below the maps.

Located in a historic renovated barn, the Tillamook Association for the Performing arts (TAPA) provides the community with theater performances that range from musical productions, comedies, dramas and original pieces. Catch a show while you’re in town!

Housed in one of the nation’s last remaining World War II blimp hangars, and one of the largest wooden structures in the world, the Tillamook Air Museum displays more than 15 aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat, A-7 Corsair ll, Mig-17, Aero-Spacelines Mini-Guppy and many more. There’s several aircraft trainers on display letting you test out life inside a cockpit. An exhibit hall features rare wartime and aviation artifacts, and there’s even a 1950s-themed restaurant inside and extensive gift shop with unique aviation-themed toys, clothes, and souvenirs.

No trip to Tillamook is complete without a stop at the creamery.

Sample their world-famous cheeses, and grab a scoop of the creamiest ice cream ever made. But don’t forget the Creamery also boasts a café that serves real food made with real ingredients – everything from artisan pizzas, gourmet mac n cheese, salads topped with fresh seafood, and of course Northwest brews and wine options for those 21 and over. There’s also a gift shop featuring Oregon-made foods, drinks, clothes, souvenirs and more.

Take a free, self-guided tour where you’ll get to see videos, historical displays and interactive kiosks about Tillamook. You’ll even get a behind the scenes look at the Tillamook cheesemaking room and packaging line.

Retro Riches & Vintage Market. Unique Gifts at great prices!

Open 7 days a week.