Tillamook, OR

Address:Tillamook, Oregon

Most people outside of the Oregon coast have not heard of Tillamook, Oregon, but they don't know what they're missing. Tillamook is a fun and lively destination, with constant events, and a wealth of interesting attractions.

Tillamook was discovered in 1788, when Captain Robert Gray first anchored his ship there. The name "Tillamook" is actually a Native American term meaning, "land of many waters." Throughout the 1800s, more settlers came to live on the land, building schools and businesses until it was finally designated as a city in 1891. Tillamook is currently the largest city in Tillamook County, and is the commercial center in the area.

There is plenty to do and see in Tillamook, including museums, factories and historical sites. At Tillamook Air Museum, located inside a rare World War II Blimp Hangar, you can see a collection of over 30 war aircrafts, and afterwards have lunch in the 1940's style diner. The Cape Meares Lighthouse provides a glimpse of history as well as a great ocean view, as it stands 217 feet over the ocean. At the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center, found inside a restored 1930s Maple Leaf schoolhouse, you will see exhibits of vintage and contemporary textiles. Another interesting historical attraction is the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, which was a former court house that now houses a replica of a blacksmith shop and a forest fire lookout station. One of the most famous attractions, visited by a million people every year, is known as The Cheese Factory, where visitors can observe cheese packaging operations from an observation platform and take a self-guided tour of cheese making. At the end of the tour, visitors can taste free samples of cheese.

Every month, fun events take place in lively Tillamook, such as the Spring Craft Sale and Taste of Tillamook food festival in March, the Headlight-Herald Home & Garden Show in April, the North Oregon Coast Cruise-In in May, the Tillamook County Fair Open Horse Show in June, the Dairy Parade and Rodeo in June, the Tillamook County Fair in August, the Moograss Bluegrass Festival and "Art in the Park" in September, North Coast Seafood Festival in October, and the holiday bazaars in November and December. And be sure not to miss the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturdays during the summer months.

For an outdoor adventure, visit Munson Creek Falls, a 319 foot tall waterfall which can be found by following an exciting trail through the hills. The Tillamook State Forest is also a great place to explore, covering more than 350,000 acres of mountainous terrain where you can find fish, wildlife, and trails for hiking, horseback riding, or off-highway vehicle excursions. To learn more about the forest, visit the Tillamook Forest Center, which is dedicated to the splendor and history of the forest. It has an interpretive center with classrooms, a theater and a forest archive, as well as forest trails from the center.

Tillamook has a wide variety of eateries, including many family friendly restaurants. For a pastry in the morning you may want to try Franz Bakery or 101 Sweet Shop, followed by a stop at Dekunsams Second Street Coffee House. There are plenty of breakfast restaurants, including the Beach Pancake House. For a casual lunch, try Alice's Country House, Blue Moon Café, or Scotty's. For dinner, take the family to Rachel's Family Dining, or enjoy a nice meal at Shilo Restaurant and Lounge, Swiss Chalet, or Rendezvous Cabaret.

There are only a few lodgings available in Tillamook, namely Dijo's Bed and Breakfast, Mar-Clair Inn, Shilo Inn, and Sea Lion Motel, as well as a handful of chain hotels. Camping is an option at several campgrounds, including Kilchis River Park, Pacific Campground & RV Park, Pleasant Valley RV Park, Tillamook Airport RV Park, and Trask Park.

The City of Tillamook is located on the northern coast of Oregon just 74 miles west of Portland next to Tillamook Bay.