Tillamook - Oregon

Tilamook, Oregon

While for some, the name Tillamook may conjure up visions of delicious dairy foods made in a world class factory, this smallish city of about 5,000 has much more to offer the visitor. Besides being a naturally lush grazing area for the dairy cows, it enjoys an abundance of fish, notably salmon and shellfish, and supports a lumber industry which is returning to health after a massive loss of old growth timber over an eighteen-year span in the mid 20th century.

The four-fire series began in 1933 and severely affected the course of history in the county and city of Tillamook. Although there was minimal loss of life, the loss of property and forest area from the first fire alone was estimated at $442 million which during the Great Depression eras was an almost crippling blow. Although the logging industry has recovered, specific areas to be logged and those to be conserved are being designated, so as to avoid a comparable loss in the 21st century.

In response to a recent period of rapid growth in the tourism sector, Tillamook has been refurbishing its classic downtown buildings and building new ones. Infrastructure is being designed and erected with a view to serving an expanding community. Tillamook citizens' long-standing tradition of hard work has resulted in a high level of community pride. Disasters are past and now the city is thriving.

Tillamook's City Hall is housed in the former post office and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It opened as a post office in 1925 and in 1943, an interior mural, depicting the landing of founder Captain Robert Gray was added. The city name comes from an Indian word for land of many water which no doubt refers to the three ocean bays and seven major rivers which make their contribution to the uniqueness of the area.

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Garibaldi Museum
Tillamook Air Museum
Tillamook Cheese Factory, guided tours
Blue Heron French Cheese Company
Tillamook Forest Centre
Latimer Quilt and Textile Centre
Munson Creek Falls
Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge
Oswald State Park
Cape Lookout State Scenic Viewpoint
Kings Mountain Trail
excellent clam beds on ocean beaches
Sandlake Sand Dunes permits ATVs and has a day use area
chartered fishing tours

Three Capes Scenic Drive

sea bird watching on highway 101 coast

gray whale watching