Best things to do in Tillamook

Take a trip to Cape Meares Lighthouse and immerse yourself in scenic nature, grand views, and historic sites. The refuge is a perfect place for hiking and spotting some of the rare indigenous species, such as spruce trees, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. In addition to providing excellent views of the coastline, viewpoints along the shore are also great spots for whale watching. One of the highlights of the refuge is the historic lighthouse that helped mariners navigate along the coast from the late 19th century up until the 1960s. Today, it's open to the public and acts as a time capsule for the area's past; a gift shop housed within offers various souvenirs. The paved road leading to the lighthouse is wheelchair-accessible, but due to the incline wheelchair users may need some assistance.

Manzanita Beach is ideal for long scenic walks by the ocean. On this long stretch of sand, you won't have a problem finding a quiet space for yourself. If you like company, you will just as easily find friendly locals hanging around, walking their dogs, or playing with their children. The water may be too chilly for swimming, but there are plenty of other opportunities--from horse riding to birding at the nearby seabird nesting sanctuary. You can also comb the beach for sea dollars or bring a camera and capture the views.

Offering a valuable lesson in aviation history, Tillamook Air Museum sits inside a military blimp hangar built during World War II. The hangar, a notable tourist attraction in and of itself, covers an area of nearly 3 hectares (7 acres) and stands 60 m (190 ft) tall. The largest clear-span wooden structure in the world, it houses a fighter plane collection that includes the Tomcat F-14A, Douglas A4-B Skyhawk, and MiG-17F. In the hangar's exhibit hall you'll find rare aviation artifacts and authentic World War II medals. Start your aviation adventure at the on-site theater, where you can watch a short film about the history of the hangar and the aircraft displayed inside it.

Featuring walking trails, sandy beaches, pristine coves, creeks, and capes, Oswald West State Park offers numerous recreational opportunities, such as kayaking, bird-watching, and picnicking. Blanketed by rainforest and low-growing ferns, the park stretches along the coastline and is equally popular with surfers, hikers, and beachgoers. The park boasts a marine reserve as well, so fishing is not allowed.

Featuring a giant sand dune and some sandstone cliffs, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, hang gliding, bird and whale watching. Hike to the top of the dune for encompassing views of the bay and Haystack Rock, a sea stack southwest of the cape. Take off your shoes to feel the soft sand on your feet as you wade through the cool surf. In low tide, look for sand dollars and explore tide pools with purple starfish, gentle anemones, and big red crabs. The beach gets quite busy in the summer and during holidays.