Tillamook County is made for getting out on the water, and our rivers offer some of the best ways to do it. With easy-to-access boat launches throughout the region, you can slip a kayak or drift boat into everything from quiet estuaries to winding forested waterways.
Tillamook Bay Watershed
Five major rivers flow into Tillamook Bay near the towns of Tillamook and Garibaldi: the Tillamook, Trask, Wilson, Kilchis, and Miami Rivers. Together they form one of the most productive estuaries on the Oregon Coast, known for fishing, paddling, and abundant wildlife.
Wilson River: Cold, clear water ideal for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
- Trask River: Gentle sections perfect for drift boats and anglers.
- Tillamook River: Calm, scenic waters great for birdwatching and family paddling.
- Kilchis River: Shaded riverbanks and strong salmon runs.
- Miami River: A short, beautiful waterway flowing through forest and coastal lowlands.
Other Tillamook County Rivers
- Nehalem River: A wide, scenic river feeding into Nehalem Bay, ideal for kayaking and fishing. Its tributaries include the rugged Salmonberry River.
- Nestucca River: The “Big Nestucca” flows to Nestucca Bay, joined by the Little Nestucca River north of Pacific City.
- Kilchis River: Shaded riverbanks and strong salmon runs.
- Salmon River: A coastal river that briefly flows through southern Tillamook County before reaching the ocean at Cascade Head.
Bays and Estuaries
From North to South Tillamook County.
- Nehalem Bay: Where river and ocean meet, offering fishing, crabbing, and sweeping coastal views.
- Netarts Bay: Fed by more than a dozen creeks, including Whiskey Creek, this protected bay is a favorite for clamming, paddling, and crabbing.
- Nestucca Bay: A mix of salt marsh, channels, and mudflats—a haven for kayakers and wildlife watchers.
Boat Launches
Tillamook County maintains a wide network of public boat launches, providing easy access to rivers, bays, and estuaries for paddling, fishing, and boating.
To view all boat launches or purchase an annual day-use parking pass, visit the Tillamook County Parks Boat Launches page.
