Tillamook Coast Life Blog
Public Safety: Hiking and Hunting on the Tillamook Coast
Come to Our Forests
Visitors and locals alike enjoy a trip to the Tillamook Coast for not only beach time but also deep immersion in our forests. The Tillamook Coast is lucky to have the Tillamook State Forest in our backyard, a 364,000 acre temperate coniferous rainforest filled with a mix of fir, spruce, hemlock, cedar and alder that receives more than 100 inches of rain annually. There is much to do and see with a visit to the forest!
Recreate Here
There are endless recreation opportunities, from family and group camping, trails for mountain bikes and OHVs (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc), quiet hikes to mountain peaks, day use areas for swimming, and even trails and camping to bring your horse along. Seasonally, hunting is allowed within the Tillamook State Forest, although hunters are required to follow strict regulations and guidelines. This information can be found at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife site.
Recreate Responsibly
The Tillamook Forest is a gorgeous adventure waiting to be explored, but you need to be smart and thoughtful before heading out. Since many of the mountains are situated above 3,000 feet, weather can be different and unpredictable compared to sea level. Check weather conditions and Highway 6 road reports before starting your journey.
For Hunters
- Dress in layers for fast-changing weather and pack rain/warm gear.
- Wear blaze orange or other high-visibility gear so you’re easier to spot.
- Be sure of your target—and what’s beyond it—before taking a shot.
- Know what game is in the area and in season: big game includes deer, elk, bear, and cougar; birds include mountain quail, grouse, band-tailed pigeons, plus ducks and geese in low, wetland areas.
- Leave No Trace: pack out all trash (including shells/casings).
Pack More Than You Think
There are many instances of a 3-mile hike turning into a much longer adventure thanks to unexpected weather, injuries, or getting lost. Be prepared by carrying the essentials for an emergency overnight stay, including extra layers, extra food and extra water or filtration, navigation tools, first aid, and a fire starter.
Hide and Seek
No one sets off on a trip to the forest hoping to play a game of hide and seek with local authorities, but this very scenario happens multiple times each year. Tillamook County has a dedicated group of individuals who volunteer with Tillamook County SAR (Search and Rescue) who head out day and night to search for individuals in distress.
Some Sage Advice
After speaking with numerous first responders about their experience with these types of cases, they had a few words of advice for hikers and hunters. They suggest that you should ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Many times, Search & Rescue is activated after a friend or family member calls 911 to report that their loved one is past due.
They also suggest purchasing a “Personal Locator Beacon” or PLB device that you keep on your person at all times. Once activated, this device can send a distress signal, usually through satellite, about your location. There are often phone numbers associated with your specific beacon, so first responders can receive the alert, call the listed phone numbers for your emergency contact, and get some more information regarding your whereabouts.
There have also been cases of hunters who had an emergency beacon with them but didn’t know how to operate it so were unable to use it in an emergency. Local authorities stress the importance of knowing your safety equipment before heading out.
Another consideration is to invest in a device like your cellphone or smart watch that includes some type of “crash detection.” While your phone might not be able to call and text without service, it can still use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS to detect sudden impact or speed changes and it will send an emergency alert to local authorities. First responders describe stories of people riding dirt bikes or driving through the mountain roads, having a crash, and being physically unable to walk or call for help. The first responders were able to find them and save their life thanks to the crash detection alert that was sent from their phone to 911.
Stay Safe
We want all visitors to the Tillamook Coast’s forests to have a safe and enjoyable experience, whether you’re hiking, hunting, or simply exploring the outdoors. Follow these simple safety tips to make the most of your time in our beautiful forests here on the Tillamook Coast.
