No matter what time of year, the Oregon coast is a great place to unwind, view wildlife, get tucked away in the fog, and eat delicious locally harvested oysters. Tillamook Oregon is a quaint area with many popular spots north and south of the area. On this blog post you will find what to do while you’re here, what to expect, and where to stay.
Where Is Tillamook Located?
The Oregon Coast is full of quaint little towns, some big, some small. Tillamook Oregon is full of little gems that are worth checking out. Just an hour and a half outside of Portland, Tillamook is growing to become more popular for people to escape the city. Moreover, the popular Cannon Beach is just an hour north of here, home to many restaurants and shops.
What To Do In Tillamook?
If you’re looking to sit on the beach for the day, hike in Tillamook, or relax in your rental all afternoon, there is truly something for everybody. Hiking in Tillamook can vary depending on the season, so it is always safe to plan in the moment and check for closures.
Popular Destinations
1.Visit Tunnel Beach:
Tucked into Oceanside is exactly what you would think, a tunnel carved into the rock leading explorers to another stunning beach. It was a little eerie at first as I wasn’t sure about water coming that high and the tunnel was dark and damp. Take precaution for storm season and high tide before going to Tunnel Beach.
2. Visit McPhillips Beach:
South of Tillamook just outside of Pacific City, McPhillips Beach is accessible by car or by foot. After checking the tide, you’re able to drive legally onto the beach and even have a campfire! At the present time driving on the beach is allowed, but be sure to check ahead of time. Moreover, the terrain is accessible for most SUVS. If you’re not comfortable driving, park at the lot to the right and walk 1 mile down the beach to Cape Kiwanda, where you’re able to continue hiking up to see views or watch the paragliders.
3. Hike Cape Kiwanda:
From McPhillips Beach, hike up the sandy trail to see view points south, including the infamous seastack in the water. To the south watch people surfing, and to the north watch people paragliding. Truly a great place to catch the sunset! Be sure to stay on the fenced side of the state park as it is unsafe and dangerous to climb beyond it. As I have noted, these cliffs are extremely fragile and people have actually died going beyond signage. Afterwards, stop at Pelican Brewery for a well deserved beer.
4. Drive Three Capes Scenic Loop:
This 40 mile drive will take you to Cape Meares, Cape Kiwanda, and Cape Lookout. Cape Kiwanda is by far the most popular part of this drive.
5. Tillamook Cheese Creamery
Home to the fabulous Tillamook cheese factory in Oregon that is sold around the United States, touring the cheese creamery in Tillamook is a popular activity, especially on a rainy day. No reservations necessary for this self guided tour. Enjoy cheese and ice cream made by Tillamook!
6. Hike Oswald State Park
Located just north of Rockaway Beach, Oswald State Park is home to Elk Flats Trail. From the HWY101 Parking area, hike towards the ocean and follow the sign. I suggest enjoying the Devil’s Cauldron Overlook as well, so beautiful. Moreover, this portion of the trail is a wonderful hike for the entire family as it is only .5 miles long. Be mindful of fencing as this area has been impacted by people falling from the cliffs.
7. Hike Neakahnie Mountain
If your looking for a longer hike, this is the one for you. Keep in mind there are two ways to complete this hike. A portion of this trail does hike alongside HWY101 and gives you views of Manzanita and Nehalem Bay south down the Oregon Coast.
South Neahkahnie Mountain: 3.4 miles round trip loop trail with 1,066 feet of elevation gain.
North Neahkahnie Mountain: 4.2 miles out and back with 1,223 feet of elevation gain.
Where To Stay In Tillamook?
If you’re looking to camp, rent a cabin, or have a luxurious spa stay, luckily Tillamook, Oregon has it all. As shown above, depending on your site seeing, selecting where you want to stay may vary. Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, and Tillamook are all within a close vicinity, all on the beach.
- Headlands Lodge: Although this location is in Pacific City, just 30 minutes south of Tillamook, Headlands Lodge is one of the most beautiful places to stay along the Oregon Coast. If you’re celebrating a milestone in your relationship, I highly suggest it.
- Surfside Resort: Oceanside hotel that is around $100 a night. Basic amenities and suite options.
- A-Frame Cabin: this is hands down one of the largest a-frame cabin rentals I have had the chance of staying in, and it’s just minutes from Schooners restaurant and the beach of Netarts Bay.
- Coast Cabins: has private homes, cabins, and lofts available for rent, all modern and aesthetically pleasing.
- Al Griffen Memorial Park Campground: with 8 tent sides and 4 R.V. sites available at first come first serve basis, this dog friendly campground is a wonderful place to stay.
Where To Eat In Tillamook?
Tillamook restaurants are a little bit spread out between the small coastal towns, so I always advise people to plan ahead.
- Pelican Brewery: located in Pacific City, Oregon Pelican brewery is a beautiful place to visit anytime of year, but even better on a sunny day. On a sunny day take your beer outside with views of the seastack and surfers on the water. Enjoy their second location as well further north in the Siletz Bay.
- Schooner’s Restaurant: hands down the best place to eat in Tillamook! Home to Netarts Bay oysters, this is the place to enjoy them.
- A Mighty Thai: Thai Food truck located in Manzanita full of local yummy Thai dishes!
- Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos: located in Pacific City, delicious tacos and burgers! Be warned the breakfast burritos are massive, my husband and I could have shared one.
- Blue Agate Cafe: great place for local seafood dishes homestyle, located in Oceanside. Great place to stop after your walk to Tunnel Beach!
- Pronto Pup: Home of the first corn dog, and still making delicious hand dipped corn dogs and fries. A great stop in Rockaway Beach.
- Wanda’s Cafe: Located in Nehalem, Oregon, this is a wonderful stop! Coffee, pastries, lunch and brunch. Plus, its quite cute! If you enjoy a bloody mary like me, this is the place to stop along the Tillamook coast!
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