Beaver, Oregon

Beaver, OR

This village was named for the North American beaver that once dominated the creeks, mountains and buttes around the area. Beavers can still be found building dams and homes in local waters. Visitors come to explore the area’s abundant natural beauty, to enjoy the Nestucca River, and to develop a sense of peace—sort of an “eco high.” Located 12 miles south of the town of Tillamook, Beaver is a great place to hike, kayak, fish, or just relax with a nice picnic lunch.

Stay a while

Beaver is a convenient, quiet place to stay during a trip to the Oregon Coast—just 20 minutes from visitor favorites such as the Tillamook Creamery (to the north), Sand Lake Recreation Area (to the west) and Cape Kiwanda (to the south). There are a couple of lodging options here.

In the heart of the Oregon Coast mountains, find Powder Creek Ranch, a beautiful Bed & Breakfast with its own fresh garden and plenty of wildlife. Stay here and feed deer in the backyard, watch for the resident herd of elk that’s been roaming the land for over 40 years and look for ducks and geese on the ponds nearby. The ranch also has hiking trails: walk to waterfalls and wander through the surrounding forest. Stay in one of the comfortable suite rooms inside the main building or book your own campsite on the property. Tents, vans and campers are all welcome (RVs, unfortunately, can’t be accommodated).

Another option is Camper Cove RV Park and Campground, off Highway 101. If you camp here, you can bring your pets, enjoy the full breakfast the park provides and even do laundry on-site. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Oregon Coast firsthand, while still enjoying some modern conveniences as you “rough it” in the woods.

The tallest falls

Beaver is adjacent to some great hikes, including the trails around Munson Creek Falls State Park. This natural area hosts the largest waterfall in our state’s coastal mountains, a towering 300-foot drop. The hiking here is accessible and family-friendly—walk along the easy half-mile-long lower trail to a picnic area near the base, where you can make a day of it and enjoy lunch in nature. In fall and winter, look for salmon in the water; this area is an important spawning ground for them! The fish are a colorful source of entertainment for the whole family. Their bright scales make them easy to spot underwater. It can also be fun to look for wildflowers and identify tree species as you hike here. Trillium, corydalis, and violets, bloom here in the spring and summer. Bring a plant and wildlife guide and go on a scavenger hunt to find different species. It’s a fun way to keep everyone engaged!

And if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the upper trail is more strenuous than the lower trail and will take you past some scenic lookout points as you trek.

Head into the woods

The Siuslaw National Forest surrounds Clover, Hebo and Beaver. Take advantage of this beautiful, wild area! You’ll find miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Check out towering trees: Sitka spruces, cedars, big-leaf maples and more. And listen to the soothing sounds of streams and rivers in the forest.