7 Easy Hikes in the Tillamook and Clatsop Forests of Oregon
Updated: Feb 3, 2019
Today we're going to be checking out the best and easiest hikes in the Tillamook and Clatsop Forests of Western Oregon. These hikes are the best hiking destinations if you have little hikers and are looking for kid-friendly adventures in one of the more overlooked forests of our region!. The Tillamook and Clatsop Forests have so much to offer any time of the year, but they are best enjoyed on a balmy summer day as there are so many wonderful creeks and rivers to enjoy!
Ok, Let's start our journey into the Tillamook and Clatsop Forest of Oregon!
1. Gales Creek Summit
If you're looking for a gorgeous creek and an easy 3.5 mile trail, head to Gales Creek. The area passes through some beautiful forests. We once saw elk near the trail and have seen loads of amazing birds.
2. University Falls
University Falls is one of our personal family favorite hikes in the Tillamook Forest. The hike in is really easy ( less then a mile each way) and it leads to a magnificent falls that is really fun for kids to play around! The only con of this adventure was getting to the trail head. You will need to travel on some serious gravel roads. We made several wrong turns before finding the right spot.
3. Jones Creek Day Use Area to Footbridge
We first explored this trail while visiting the Tillamook Forestry Center ( lovely spot, def. check it out if you are in the area) . The trail meanders on for quite a while , so we only explored a section of it. It was beautiful and there are so many things to see on this trail including bridges, creeks and waterfalls.
4. Jones Creek to Diamond Mill
Part of the Jones Creek trail, this short section ( about 2 miles one way) passes over a cool bridge and over a lovely creek!
5.Little North Folk of the Wilson River
The Wilson river is one of our favorite rivers in Oregon. We love to spend the day hanging around the river in summer, swimming in the cold waters. Getting to this trail involves a journey on unimproved roads, but it's a nice 3 mile hike with lots of opportunities to enjoy the Wilson River along the way.
6. The Peninsula Trail
This trail can be a little steep, but its only about a mile. The Trask river has some amazing basalt features and the river is home to salmon. It's a fun trail and the river is another really fun spot to spend a summer day.
7. Four Point County Trail
This trail is beautiful and gives little ones lots of opportunities to explore Wolf Creek. This is a fun and unique hike because the trail intersects with all four counties ( Tillamook, Washington, Clatsop and Columbia!) . The forest is extremely green and jungle like!
Bonus Hike for the more adventurous: Saddle Mountain
If you're look for a more adventurous and strenuous hike, check out Saddle Mountain, very close to cannon beach. Saddle Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Clastop range and the hike itself clocks in at about 5 miles round trip. Our 5 year old managed to do the entire hike ( he is an experienced and fit hiker) , our 3 year old managed half of it and our baby was toted around in the baby hiker. The views are INCREDIBLE and worth the effort. Bring lots and lots of snacks ( and WATER!) as this is a heart pumping climb!
Have you been to the Tillamook or Clatsop forests with your kids? What did you think? Add your thoughts on these adventures to help our community of adventurous PNW families! Let us know in the comments below!
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