The Tillamook Coast
The Tillamook Coast: Exploring Oregon’s Wild Coast Responsibly
Ohhh the Tillamook Coast, a place where dense evergreen forests spill toward the Pacific, fishing boats unload fresh crab at tiny harbors, and winding trails open onto cliffs above crashing waves. Stretching from the forests near Oswald West State Park down through Tillamook Bay and Pacific City, this section of the Oregon Coast feels both peaceful and incredibly lively.
Over the past several years, the Tillamook Coast has transformed from a relatively quiet stretch of the Oregon Coast into one of the state’s most sought-after destinations. Travelers are discovering its dramatic headlands, old-growth forests, surf beaches, and small fishing towns in growing numbers. It’s close distance to Portland and Seattle as well as the impact of social media have helped shine a brighter spotlight on this rugged corner of the Pacific Northwest.
But with that attention comes a responsibility.
The Tillamook Coast should be visited with respect, to the local environment, and the local community. It’s a living coastal region supported by fishing communities, small businesses, working waterfronts, family-run restaurants, and delicate natural ecosystems. The forests, beaches, and trails here are incredibly special, but they’re also increasingly impacted by overcrowding, litter, erosion, and tourism that doesn’t always give back to the places being visited.
Visiting sustainably means staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife and tidepools, packing out trash, and understanding that many of these towns are small communities first and tourist destinations second. It also means supporting the people who make this coastline what it is: local fishers, oyster farmers, brewers, bakers, guides, and restaurant owners who keep the coastal economy alive year-round.
One of the best ways to experience the Tillamook Coast is to slow down and engage with it thoughtfully. Hike the forests, learn about the bays and estuaries, buy Oregon-caught seafood directly from local markets, and spend your money at independently owned spots that reflect the character of the region itself.
Because what makes the Tillamook Coast unforgettable isn’t just the scenery, it’s the culture and communities tied to it.
Favorite Hikes Along the Tillamook Coast
Oswald West State Park
One of the crown jewels of the northern Oregon Coast, which can also make it the most crowded. Trails weave through moss-covered woods before dropping toward secluded beaches and cliffside viewpoints.
Short Sands Beach - Tucked into a protected cove inside Oswald West, Short Sands is beloved by surfers and beachgoers. The short forested walk into the beach makes the reveal especially beautiful, with waves framed by dense coastal forest and waterfalls entering the ocean.
Cape Falcon Trail - This trail winds through old-growth forest before opening onto sweeping cliffside views above the Pacific. Cape Falcon feels remote and windswept, especially during storm season when waves crash against the rocks below.
Neahkahnie Mountain - Few hikes on the Oregon Coast deliver views as iconic as Neahkahnie. From the summit, you can see miles of coastline, Nehalem Bay, and forested mountains stretching inland toward the Coast Range.
Big Cedar Trail - Hidden within the bustling beach town of Rockaway nestled Tillamook State Forest, Big Cedar Trail showcases the old growth cedars that existed before development.
Bay Ocean Peninsula - Bay Ocean offers a completely different coastal experience, long sandy spits, windswept dunes, and quiet shoreline walks beside Tillamook Bay. It’s especially incredible to learn about the old town that got swept out to sea here, and follow the signs that lay out their old locations.
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site - Home to one of the tallest waterfalls on the Oregon Coast, Munson Falls is an easy and rewarding forest walk. The trail follows a lush creek corridor ending at a towering cascade surrounded by old-growth forest.
Cape Lookout State Park- There are multiple trails offer incredible glimpses of this headland. With a longer trail out to the end of the Cape, or a south trail headed straight down to the secluded beach.
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint - The lighthouse and dramatic sea stacks make this one of the most photogenic stops on the coast. One of Oregon’s strangest and most fascinating trees, the Octopus Tree spreads outward in massive twisting limbs rather than growing upright.
Local Seafood Worth Seeking Out
The Tillamook Coast is still deeply tied to Oregon’s fishing culture, and some of the best meals here come straight from local boats and bays. If wanting to eat Oregon caught seafood specifically, please ensure that you ask where your seafood is coming from! 90% of the seafood served on the Oregon Coast is imported, and I find it very important to really try (when you can) to eat seafood directly caught by our local fisherman.
Single Fin - Wheeler - North Coast Fish Shack serving ceviches, oysters, fish sandwiches, and more!
Neahkahnie Smoke House - Wheeler - A must-stop for smoked salmon lovers. What started as a farmers market booth 20 years ago has turned into a local favorite brick and mortar.
Bay City Kitchen - Bay City - This small local spot focuses on fresh ingredients and seasonal coastal cooking. It’s especially loved for comforting seafood dishes and friendly small-town energy.
JAndy Oyster - Tillamook - Legendary oyster farmers of Netarts Bay opened their own seafood restaurant, living alongside a beautiful plant nursery!
Schooner Restaurant & Lounge - Netarts - Overlooking Netarts Bay, Schooner is known for oysters, Dungeness crab, chowder, and classic Oregon Coast comfort food with incredible bay views.
West Fish Co - Pacific City - Both a fish market and a fish and chips cart, using only their own Dory boat caught seafood!
Other Food Stops Worth the Drive
Yolk - Manzanita - The most hip and delicious breakfast joint you’ll find on the coast, incredible food, incredible cocktails, incredible vibes all around!
Fornax Pizza - Garibaldi - A standout wood-fired pizza spot bringing surprisingly refined flavors to the coast. Great ingredients, creative toppings, and the best owner ever!!
Buttercup Chowders - Nehalem - An unassuming chowder and ice cream house that will knock your socks off, no matter what you order.
DeGarde Brewing - Tillamook - One of the most respected spontaneous fermentation breweries in the country, DeGarde creates wild ales inspired by the coastal climate and local ingredients.
Fish Markets for Oregon-Caught Seafood
Captain's Corner Seafood Market - Garibaldi - A reliable stop for fresh crab, salmon, oysters, and locally harvested seafood straight from Garibaldi and nearby fisherman. They also have pre-made food!
The Spot - Fisherman owned seafood market, The Spot is loved for fresh fish, crab cocktails, and dockside coastal charm.
West Coast Fish Co - Pacific CIty - Focused on sustainable Oregon seafood, this market is an excellent place to grab fresh local catch to cook yourself.
Green Coast Market - A thoughtfully curated market offering local seafood, regional products, wine, and coastal provisions perfect for beach picnics or cabin stays.
We love it here.
Those of us who spend a lot of time on the Tillamook Coast, are absolutely in love with it. And while yes, it’s for the scenery, it’s also for the sweet little community that keeps this place alive, even in the off season. Preserving the experience you have here, depends on how you choose to visit.
Supporting local businesses, respecting the land and water, and approaching the coast with curiosity instead of consumption helps ensure this region stays vibrant for the communities that live here, and for future travelers hoping to experience the same wild beauty.
