Tillamook Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Tillamook with our comprehensive tour guide, featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Tillamook

Tillamook is a charming coastal town in Northern Oregon Coast, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or delicious local cuisine, Tillamook has something for everyone. From its world-famous cheese factory to its beautiful beaches and forests, Tillamook offers a mix of activities that will suit all tastes.

List of Places to Visit in Tillamook

Here is a list of the must-visit attractions in Tillamook:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tillamook Air Museum: a world-famous museum located in an old blimp hanger that showcases the WWII aviation history.
  • Tillamook County Pioneer Museum: which includes exhibits about the history and culture of Tillamook County and its people.
  • Old Mill Marina: A historic marina free for all to visit

Natural Attractions of Tillamook: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint: offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Cape Lookout State Park: a popular spot for hiking trails and camping.
  • Tillamook State Forest: offers a range of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that pass through scenic views, waterfalls, and old growth forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tillamook

Tillamook has numerous scenic hiking and biking trails that offer an unforgettable outdoor experience. Some of the top routes include:

  • Cape Lookout Trail: a 5.2-mile trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding forests.
  • Tillamook Head Trail: a 6.8-mile trail that passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
  • Bayocean Spit Trail: A 5 mile hike along an abandoned railroad lines on Bayocean Spit.

Best Things to Do in Tillamook: Activities and Tours

Tillamook has a range of fun activities and tours that will keep you entertained throughout your stay. Some of the best things to try include:

  • Tillamook Cheese Factory: a must-visit spot that offers guided tours, cheese tastings, and a gift shop with locally made products and souvenirs.
  • Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: offers an unforgettable ride on a historic steam locomotive that takes you through the breathtaking coast and forests.
  • Tillamook Farmers Market: a lively market that features local farmers and artisans who sell fresh produce, crafts and more

Week-Long Itinerary for Tillamook

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Tillamook:

Day 1 Visit Tillamook Cheese Factory, from tours to cheese tastings.
Day 2 Explore Cape Meares, hike on the Tillamook Coast and visit the Tillamook Air Museum for some WWII Aviation history.
Day 3 Spend the day at Cape Lookout State Park, camping, fishing, and hiking the famous lookouts.
Day 4 Go on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad to spot wildlife along the way and enjoy the scenic view.
Day 5 Tillamook Farmers Market to check out some local produce and crafts, then proceed to Tillamook Bay to relax.
Day 6 Embark on the Tillamook Head Trail into the Tillamook State Forest for an exhilarating outdoor experience.
Day 7 Wrap up with a trip to Bayocean Spit, which is a unique spot with stunning views and a fitting end to a great tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Tillamook

Tillamook is known for its fresh seafood, cheese, and locally grown produce. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh Dungeness Crab is must order dish for any seafood lover, it is fresh and delicious.
  • Fish and Chips are a staple of the Oregon Coast.
  • Tillamook Ice Cream is simply amazing.

Local Beverages

  • Beer lovers should give Tillamook Brewing a try serving up a range of craft beers.
  • The region is well known for he local wines as well.

Where to Stay in Tillamook: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tillamook has numerous accommodation options to fit any budget, ranging from Hotels, Hostels, Guest Houses, B&B’s and RV Parks. Some popular options to try include:

  • The Ashley Inn which offer spacious room and budget-friendly rates.
  • Pacific City RV Park offers fantastic accommodations for motorhomes along with BBQ facilities and free WiFi
  • A direct experience of the Oregon Coast can be had with panoramic sea views from cabins at The Sheltered Nook Tiny Houses, they also offer fun activities including campfires, games, and puzzles.

What to Buy in Tillamook: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tillamook is known for its fresh produce, dairy products and handicrafts. You can grab something to remind you of your trip at one of the following local shops:

  • The Tillamook Cheese Factory offers locally made cheese, fudge, ice cream, and other souvenirs.
  • The Blue Heron French Cheese Company features a deli and wine cellar along with local cheese and wine experience.
  • The Garibaldi Maritime Museum gift shop has unique items including maritime themed gifts, souvenirs and artifacts.

Local Culture and Customs of Tillamook

The Tillamook community prides itself on a deep appreciation for the local environment and culture. The people are very welcoming, and the customs vary according to the location but overall guide on the area is available from the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce.

Best Time to Visit Tillamook

Tillamook is a year-round destination, though summer is the peak season for visitors. The mild temperatures and sunny skies of late spring and early fall make for the best time to enjoy the hiking trails and outdoor activities. Winter is the least busy season, making it a great time for a quiet getaway.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tillamook

Here’s a list of recommended do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Tillamook:

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife when visiting parks and trails.
  • Try local cuisine to experience the authentic taste of Tillamook.
  • Take part in community events and activities to learn more about the local culture and meet people.

Don’t:

  • Littering is not tolerated, please make use of the available garbage bins.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, from parks to restaurants.
  • Take nothing and leave nothing but footprints.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tillamook

Tillamook is generally considered a safe destination for visitors. However, like with all destinations, visitors must be aware of their surroundings, especially when hiking or exploring the parks in the area. Be familiar with the area and its potential weather patterns, knowing the tides is also a must to avoid being stranded.

Health in Tillamook

There are a number of medical facilities in Tillamook to cater to health needs of visitors, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. It is recommended to have applicable travel medical insurance while on vacation to meet all health concerns wherever required.

Getting to Tillamook: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tillamook is readily accessible by car, bus or plane.

Airports Near Tillamook:

  • Portland International Airport (PDX)
  • Eugene Airport (EUG)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Bus Stations Near Tillamook:

  • Greyhound station in Portland
  • Interstate bus services from Eugene
  • Tillamook County Bus Service

Other Options:

  • The Amtrak Coast Starlight offers a scenic train ride along the coast, with stops in nearby cities.
  • Ridesharing is an available option but require some additional research before making arrangements.

How to Get Around in Tillamook

The best way to get around Tillamook is by car or bike. Numerous rental companies offer cars and bikes for rent, while other places such as Tillamook Bay have walkable and easily accessible attractions.

Where to Go Next from Tillamook: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore other destinations while visiting Tillamook, there are plenty of nearby options worth checking out, some of which include:

  • Cannon Beach: A small town known for its beautiful beaches and unique arts scene located to the north of Tillamook.
  • Astoria: A historic port town with plenty of interesting landmarks and museums, located to the north of Cannon Beach.
  • Bend: A city located to the east of Tillamook, it is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning natural beauty.

Conclusion

Tillamook is a great destination for anyone looking for a refreshing break or adventure. With its scenic natural landscapes and diverse cultural attractions, visitors will find it easy to connect with the local environment and culture. Plan a fun-filled trip to Tillamook and have a memorable experience.

Cape Meares Lighthouse In Oceanside Cape Meares Lighthouse In Oceanside