This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for more information.
There are many things to do in Tillamook, Oregon, on the Oregon coast of the United States. From the forests to the dairy farm, there is always something for everyone! You can go on a tour of the cheese factory and learn all about how they make their famous cheddar cheese or go for a hike up one of the majestic trails. It’s not hard to see why this area appeals so much to both locals and tourists alike!
HI THERE! DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS FOR LATER!
- Things to Do in Tillamook, Oregon
- 1) Tillamook Cheese Factory
- 2) Tillamook Air Museum
- 3) Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
- 4) Cape Meares Lighthouse
- 5) Octopus Sitka Spruce & Big Spruce
- 6) Cape Lookout State Park
- 7) Tillamook Forest Center
- 8) Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
- 9) Munson Creek Falls
- 10) Beach Access
- Things to Do in Tillamook
Things to Do in Tillamook, Oregon
Tillamook, Oregon, is a small town with a big history and lots of things to do. Located about 70 miles west of Portland, Tillamook has been the home to dairy farms for over 100 years! The city’s population is less than 10,000 people, but it’s also home to many more dairy cows! It’s not hard to see why this place is called “the land of cheese.”
In addition to being great for dairy lovers, Tillamook offers plenty of outdoor activities like fishing and hiking that you can enjoy year-round. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path destination with plenty in store for all sorts of travelers, then be sure to check out the following things to do in Tillamook.
1) Tillamook Cheese Factory
Number one on our list of things to do in Tillamook is visiting the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory (Tillamook Creamery)! We love all the Tillamook dairy products, including cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter, cream cheese, and sour cream!
So, if you’re looking for things to do in Tillamook, Oregon, that are more family oriented (and geared toward the cheese lovers in the group), the Tillamook Cheese Factory is an excellent place to go! They offer free, self-guided tours at their visitor center and production facility where you can learn all about how they make things from scratch.
Learn about the dairy industry from the interactive exhibits, and make sure to visit on a weekday, so you can see the cheese factory in action.
After going on the tour, you’ll have a chance to buy things like cheese or ice cream made right on site! Stay for lunch and a cold treat!
It’s one of the best places to visit in the Pacific Northwest, as far as tourist attractions go.
Want more cheese and ice cream in the Pacific Northwest? Check out Whidbey Island!
2) Tillamook Air Museum
The Tillamook Air Museum is another great option for things to do in Tillamook, Oregon. It’s both educational and fun for the whole family! There are many exhibits on display. It’s “history housing history” in the museum’s hangars, which used to be a Naval Air Station.
If you enjoy planes and helicopters, then this is something you have to check out! They’ve even got the life-size cockpit model used in the filming of Sully.
3) Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Located along Highway 101, to the southwest of Tillamook Bay, the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is only a short drive from the city of Tillamook.
Short trails will get you to the lighthouse and old-growth forest spruce trees mentioned next. It’s a great place on the west coast to take a short walk for beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
As part of the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, you might also see a variety of birds nesting, as well as gray whales, harbor seals, and sea lions offshore. It’s the perfect place for wildlife viewing!
4) Cape Meares Lighthouse
Located at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is the Cape Meares Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is over 130 years old and happens to be the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast!
Considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, the Cape Meares Lighthouse is a short walk from the parking lot at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Its vantage point offers stunning scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
5) Octopus Sitka Spruce & Big Spruce
Also at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is a Sitka spruce tree shaped like an octopus and, separately, the largest Sitka spruce tree in all of Oregon.
Short pathways (less than a mile) lead you to both the octopus tree and the largest Sitka spruce tree, as well as the above-mentioned lighthouse and viewpoints along the way. It’s natural beauty at its best!
6) Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout State Park is yet another spot for beautiful views of the ocean and its surrounds. Camping and day-use is the draw here, and activities like beachcombing and hiking are perfect for this area.
With more than 8 miles of hiking and walking trails, there is something for everyone, including a short family-friendly nature trail. Get ready to see the Pacific Ocean and more old-growth Sitka spruce and hemlock forests.
7) Tillamook Forest Center
The Tillamook Forest Center is inland to the northeast of Tillamook. Right in the middle of the Tillamook State Forest, the Tillamook Forest Center is a modern interpretive and educational center. There is so much to learn there, and they provide many interactive ways for that learning to happen.
P.S. Admission is FREE!
8) Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Located in town, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is a must for history lovers. From the native peoples to modern day industry, learn more about the area through the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, including thousands of photos.
9) Munson Creek Falls
South of Tillamook about 9 miles is Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site. An easy 0.6-mile round trip hike will get you to the falls, which are the highest in the Oregon Coast Range!
10) Beach Access
When we’re talking about the Oregon coast, we’ve gotta talk about beach access. In the vicinity of Tillamook, check out the following beaches and coastal parks:
- Bayocean Peninsula Park
- Cape Meares Beach
- Oceanside Beach State Park
- Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site
They all offer amazing ocean views!
Things to Do in Tillamook
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path destination with plenty in store, Tillamook is a great place to go. Whether it’s the gorgeous coastal views or the variety of outdoor activities available year-round, there’s something for everyone here! It may be small, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. And, don’t forget the Tillamook cheese!
ENJOYED THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Tillamook, Oregon? Please share in the comments below!
STARTS WITH
A GREAT BUDGET!
ALL GREAT SEMI-BUDGET TRAVEL
It's easy! I will show you how with a FREE trip planning tool.
