Grab your walking shoes and your sense of wonder when you head out to hike the Kilchis Point Reserve Interpretive Trails. Consisting of 200 pristine acres located adjacent to Tillamook Bay, Kilchis Point is owned, protected and maintained by the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum.
Hike the Kilchis Point Reserve Interpretive Trails - consisting of 200 pristine acres located adjacent to Tillamook Bay.
Home to a Wide Variety of Native Plants and Animals
Tucked away off the beaten path, Kilchis Point proves you don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in the natural world and leave the bustle of busy city streets behind. The trails are home to a wide variety of native plants and animals that create a precious ecosystem.
Three Separate Interpretive Trails
Three separate interpretive trails highlight different aspects of the area: floral and fauna; Native American heritage; and early pioneer settlement. This rich cultural history is well documented with interpretive and educational trail signs along each trail. The paved trail loop makes for an easy stride throughout the year.
Towering Trees and Lush Foliage
Each trail is approximately two miles long, winding underneath towering trees and through lush foliage. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes because, although the trails are mostly flat, the uneven ground, tree roots and puddles can make the walk interesting. You can cross Doty Creek at the south end of the property, which is home to several species of whistling birds.
Home of the Largest Native Peoples Village and the First Pioneer
Kilchis Point marked the largest Native Peoples village on the north Oregon Coast, whose presence can still be felt in the area, and it is also the site of the home of the first pioneer, Joe Champion, who arrived in 1851 and lived in a tree stump while he built his cabin. Kilchis Point was also home to the first ship built in Tillamook County and the first ship formally registered in Oregon Territory, the Morning Star.
Take Time to Enjoy and Learn
Enjoy the interpretive kiosks, benches, and an arbor and native gardens installed at the trailhead. At the end of each trail is a bird watching station overlooking Tillamook Bay.
