Safety First
Many visitors come to the Tillamook Coast to marvel at the winter weather as it comes in across the Pacific Ocean. You could even say that the Tillamook Coast exists on the edge of the world! There are plenty of ways to have fun during the rainy season AND stay safe while doing it.
Read Part 1 of our blog series on how to stay safe during the rainy season on the Tillamook Coast and then follow along here for how to have fun in the rain!
Be Prepared
A rainy day at the Tillamook Coast is made more comfortable with the right gear. Don’t forget to pack rain gear such as rain jackets and ponchos, gaiters, waterproof shoes or boots, and warm underlayers like wool socks and gloves. While it never gets too cold at the Tillamook Coast, the wet weather can make it feel much chillier than it actually is. Be aware that strong winter storms can bring flooding and power outages to the coast. It would be a good idea to bring along a few items that would be helpful if the power goes out. Portable charging banks, flashlights, dry bags, and weather radios will help you stay safe and ready for anything.
Did you forget these items at home? No need to worry! Check out Tillamook Sporting Goods or Basecamp Manzanita to stock up on items like rain gear, backup batteries, dry bags, flashlights, and other useful items in case of severe weather.
Take a Hike
There are countless things to do while visiting the Tillamook Coast during the rainy season. Hiking on a rainy day usually means fewer crowds but be sure to follow our Leave No Trace principles and respect the trail by not making your own. The trails might be muddy! Best practice is to walk straight through the mud rather than walking around it and widening the trail (and trampling delicate plants.)
If the forested trails are especially muddy, you can plan a hiking excursion to another local spot, like the raised boardwalk of the Cedar Wetlands Nature Preserve in Rockaway Beach, the gravel-covered path at Bayocean Spit near Cape Meares, or the ADA accessible trail at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area outside of Pacific City.
Explore the Indoors
A rainy day is probably the best time to check out the wide range of indoor exhibits and activities that the Tillamook Coast offers. There are many affordable (or free!) options available to visitors. Get up close to aviation history at the Tillamook Air Museum – the building itself is historic! Learn about the area’s deep maritime heritage at the Garibaldi Maritime Museum. Take a step into the past at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum where you will see examples and artifacts of Tillamook County life from hundreds of years ago.
After filling up on historical knowledge, you can head to the Tillamook YMCA or the North County Recreation District for a drop-in open swim in a warm 88-degree pool. Feel like curling up with a good book instead? Check out Cloud and Leaf Bookstore in Manzanita for lots of cozy reads. Then, at the end of the day, find yourself at the Tillamook Creamery for world-famous cheese and ice cream.
Keep it Cozy
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a rainy day at the Tillamook Coast is from the warmth and security of a cozy home. Want a front row seat to enjoy the storms? Check out Manzanita Beach Getaway Vacation Rentals or Kiwanda Coastal Properties to book oceanfront homes, and Ocean Inn in Manzanita, The Headlands in Pacific City, or Silver Sand Motel in Rockaway Beach to find a beachfront hotel room. Then you can look forward to spending a night at the edge of the world!