Tillamook Forest Center: An Accessible Adventure on Your Way to the Tillamook Coast

The Perfect Pit Stop

Highway 6 is more than just the gateway to the Tillamook Coast. Towering trees, lush moss-covered forests, an emerald river, and a windy road lead you to your eventual terminus at the ocean, but have you ever paused on your way to experience what the Tillamook Forest has to offer? A stop at the Tillamook Forest Center, located in the heart of the Tillamook Forest, can also be the destination.

Center History

The Tillamook Forest Center is the largest forest-based learning center in the region. The building itself is full of sustainability features — check out the wetland pond as you enter! This pond catches rainwater to be used for a variety of purposes, including fire suppression sprinklers and a heat exchange for the building’s cooling system. The framing for the center was built from timber that was grown, harvested, and milled less than 30 miles away. The design of the structure allows the building to be lit by natural sunlight for the majority of the day and it’s the only building of its size that uses sustainable wood pellets for its heating needs.

A Forest Classroom

Each hands-on exhibit teaches you about a different aspect of our forests. Some focus on the ecology and connectedness between our forest species and their habitats. Others delve into the human history of the Tillamook Forest, including the stories of Indigenous tribes and pioneers who depended on the forest for survival. You can learn about forest fires and how they have shaped the forest we know and love today, and see how careers in forestry and natural resource management can help protect our forest for the future. There are exhibits for every age level and the forest center does a great job of keeping things in working order and up-to-date. Don’t forget to complete a scavenger hunt to receive a prize at the gift shop!

Attend an Event

I met with Natalie Sanman, Statewide Interpretation Coordinator, to learn more about the specifics of the center. The Tillamook Forest Center is run by Oregon Department of Forestry and includes nine paid staff and many volunteers, including summer site hosts who live on-site and volunteer in different capacities.

Natalie shared that they are currently hosting ranger programs on a variety of forest-related topics. Stop by on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in August and be treated to a talk about anything from owls, bears, birds, or forest foraging. After Labor Day, the programs slow down so check the calendar to confirm dates and times.

She mentioned that they are always looking for volunteers for a variety of things, such as running the gift shop, greeting visitors, and even outdoor maintenance. Apply today if you are interested!

Must See Highlights

Don’t miss a trip up the 80 steps to the fire lookout — it’s a favorite with kids and adults alike. Also, the suspension bridge over the Wilson River is an engineering marvel and the perfect backdrop for a family photo. Natalie suggests attending a showing of “The Legacy of Fire” in the center’s movie theater. It is a 15 minute movie that details the history of the Tillamook Burn and includes sight, sound, and the SMELL of fire.

Tillamook Forest Center is For All

The Tillamook Forest Center is a Tillamook Coast Verified Destination with Wheel the World, and more accessibility information can be found on their website. The bridge trail and the trails that meander through the property are fully accessible. They are also committed to providing accommodations for those who need it.

Additionally, a visit to the center is free! They have a suggested donation of $5 per person, but Natalie shared that she would never want that to be a barrier for someone to come in and experience all that the center has to offer. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Natalie responded, “I get the opportunity to help people connect with the forest and learn the very special and unique history of the area. Whether you are here to attend a program or here to just run in and use our bathroom, we are happy to have you!”

The Tillamook Forest Center is open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the summer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the spring and fall, and completely closed in the winter.