Tillamook Forest Center

Tillamook Forest Center Tillamook Forest Center Consider yourself invited to explore the Tillamook State Forest. Come on up and see us, and find yourself in the forest.
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The Tillamook Forest Center is a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. Located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, the center showcases the legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort that left a permanent imprint on Oregon history while also shaping sustainable forest

management today. We’re the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, located 50 miles west of Portland and 22 miles east of Tillamook on Oregon Highway 6. FREE Admission & FREE Programs (donations welcomed)
CLOSED December, January & February

Can you imagine bushwhacking through 13 miles of dense, thorny shrubs and giant trees - including crossing the Wilson Ri...
08/24/2025

Can you imagine bushwhacking through 13 miles of dense, thorny shrubs and giant trees - including crossing the Wilson River 16 times - using only hand tools?

As challenging as it sounds, the Smith family did just that to become the first settlers and stake a homestead claim in what is now the Tillamook State Forest. Although their home is long gone, their oak and fruit trees remain – proof of this family’s perseverance and struggle for a better life.
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A black and white photo shows two small wooden buildings and a fenced garden area with tall trees in the background.

“When the fireweed turns to cotton, summer will soon be forgotten.” - Unknown Fireweed is often one of the first plants ...
08/22/2025

“When the fireweed turns to cotton, summer will soon be forgotten.” - Unknown

Fireweed is often one of the first plants to appear in disturbed areas such as fire scars. As summer progresses, the small purple flowers of the fireweed transform into silky tufts of seeds.
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Alt text picture 1: Close-up of vibrant purple fireweed flowers surrounded by lush green leaves.

📸 Credit picture 2: NPS/Jim Peaco
Alt text picture 2: Tall, dried fireweed stalks with wispy seed heads stand amidst green foliage and dark trees.

Take a pulse on forest health with our Tree Doctor to discover illnesses hidden just below the surface during our Forest...
08/19/2025

Take a pulse on forest health with our Tree Doctor to discover illnesses hidden just below the surface during our Forest ER program. Or attend our Patterns in Nature program to learn how branches, spirals, scatters, and waves promote survival for plants, animals, and humans.

Programs occur at 11:30am and 1:30pm on August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Visit our website for more details.

Have you seen these along the river’s edge? Caddisfly larvae create these protective casings that are made up of silk t...
08/17/2025

Have you seen these along the river’s edge?

Caddisfly larvae create these protective casings that are made up of silk that is secreted from their salivary glands. Other items such as rocks, bark, and sticks are attached to the casing for additional protection.
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Alt text: Six camouflaged caddisfly larvae on a sandy surface with tiny pebbles. A small gray stone is centered amid the larvae, adding texture to the earthy scene.

Are you smarter than a corvid?🐦‍⬛ Corvids are a family of birds that includes ravens, crows, and Steller’s jays. They h...
08/16/2025

Are you smarter than a corvid?🐦‍⬛

Corvids are a family of birds that includes ravens, crows, and Steller’s jays. They have an amazing memory and will remember where people store their food and often pick through trash if not thrown away properly. Please remember to leave no trace when visiting the forest and avoid getting your trash picked through by these curious corvids.
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Alt text: A black bird perched on a moss-covered branch of a tree, surrounded by vibrant green leaves in a forest setting.

“It was like a raging, roaring monster!” This description comes from a witness of one of the Tillamook Burn fires. Spark...
08/14/2025

“It was like a raging, roaring monster!”

This description comes from a witness of one of the Tillamook Burn fires. Sparked in Gales Creek Canyon on August 14th, 1933, the first and largest fire of the Tillamook Burn spread rapidly and left a scorched and ashen landscape in its path. However, due to huge replanting efforts, we now – 92 years later – have a beautiful, verdant forest again.
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Alt text: A black and white photo shows a hillside covered in scorched and smoldering tree trunks and ground.

🐕🦉As the sun goes down, another side of the forest starts to come alive. Join us this weekend on August 15th, 16th, and ...
08/12/2025

🐕🦉As the sun goes down, another side of the forest starts to come alive. Join us this weekend on August 15th, 16th, and 17th at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm as we investigate Clever, Courageous Coyotes and Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night.

Visit our website for additional information on upcoming programs!
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Alt text picture 1: A coyote howls in a meadow, its head tilted back. Grey fur blends with the grassy background, creating a wild, natural scene filled with emotion and vitality.

Alt text picture 2: Close-up of an owl's face, focusing on its detailed feathers and large yellow eyes, highlighting its sharp beak and intricate facial features.

Hot and dry summer weather leads to low river levels. Before we know it, autumn rains will return, washing debris into t...
08/10/2025

Hot and dry summer weather leads to low river levels.

Before we know it, autumn rains will return, washing debris into the rivers. Plant and animal debris accumulate and slowly decompose in the river, playing an important role in the forest and river ecosystems. Human debris, such as plastics, picnic leftovers, and campfire remnants, harm these ecosystems.

Will you help protect our rivers by leaving no trace when you recreate in the forest?

Heading out for a hike, a day on the river, or ride the trails? Whether you're spending a few hours or the whole day in ...
08/08/2025

Heading out for a hike, a day on the river, or ride the trails? Whether you're spending a few hours or the whole day in the forest, your impact matters. Please help keep our favorite spots beautiful by practicing Leave No Trace principles.

📸 Snap a photo, not a souvenir. 🧺 Enjoy your lunch but take your litter. 🚶 Walk gently, speak softly, and tread lightly.
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Alt text: A river scene with people swimming and sunbathing on rocks and a sandy area. Inflatable floats and colorful swim gear are visible in the water. Lush greenery surrounds the riverbank.

The Tillamook Forest Center is open and back to normal operating hours. Our summer hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-...
08/08/2025

The Tillamook Forest Center is open and back to normal operating hours. Our summer hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Thank you for your patience while we worked to solve the mechanical challenge. See you soon!

Due to a building issue, the Tillamook Forest Center will be closed the remainder of the day, August 6th, 2025. We apolo...
08/06/2025

Due to a building issue, the Tillamook Forest Center will be closed the remainder of the day, August 6th, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Wood you beleaf it’s National Tree Day?🌲From the mighty Douglas-fir to the neighborly red alder, trees and forests touch...
08/06/2025

Wood you beleaf it’s National Tree Day?🌲

From the mighty Douglas-fir to the neighborly red alder, trees and forests touch our lives every day. Whether you are hiking the Wilson River Trial, enjoying a refreshing glass of water, or gathering around a wooden table for dinner, take a moment today to appreciate the forest's leafy providers.
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Alt Text: Mountain landscape with rolling hills covered in dense green forest, low clouds and mist drifting among the trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

Address

45500 Wilson River Highway
Tillamook, OR
97141

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15038156800

Website

http://www.oregon.gov/odf

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Consider yourself invited to explore the Tillamook State Forest. Oregon Department of Forestry’s Tillamook Forest Center is a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. Located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, the center showcases the legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort that left a permanent imprint on Oregon history while also shaping sustainable forest management today. We’re the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, located 50 miles west of Portland and 22 miles east of Tillamook on Oregon Highway 6. Come on up and see us, and find yourself in the forest. $5 suggested Admission & FREE Programs March - May open 10 am - 4 pm | June - August 10 am - 5 pm | CLOSED December - February