What to do around Tillamook—when you’re not fishing…

The story of Tillamook County began on August 14, 1788 when Captain Robert Gray, pictured, of American sailing sloop “Lady Washington,” anchored in Tillamook Bay thinking he had found the “great river of the West.” This was the first landing on the Oregon coast.

Jamison and Marian Johnson live in Tillamook and Marian has put together a helpful “mini guide” below for some sights in and around Tillamook.

Enjoy time fishing with family and friends and stay in Tillamook—it’s an amazing place and you might just find yourself returning again in the future for another fishing trip in Tillamook or… just because!

Tillamook is surrounded by the Tillamook State Forest and the Coast Range, which is one of the greenest, most lush landscapes in the lower 48. Coming over Highway 6 from Portland, you drop into a valley that looks like somewhere you’d expect to find a hobbit. The dairy farms, the fog, the Douglas fir on every hillside—it’s a different Oregon than most visitors see.

Tillamook has that effect on people!

The Tillamook Area

Most people who visit the Oregon Coast head to Seaside, Lincoln City, or Depoe Bay. Tillamook tends to come up in conversation as the place with the cheese factory. That’s a shame, because as a fishing destination and as a place to spend a few days. Tillamook and its area is genuinely exceptional, and it’s not remotely crowded.

The name Tillamook itself tells the story. It comes from the Tillamook people’s own language, and it means land of many waters. Five rivers drain into Tillamook Bay: the Wilson, Trask, Kilchis, Tillamook, and Trask rivers. The bay itself opens to the Pacific through a navigable bar, putting ocean fishing within easy reach. It is, by any measure, one of the most productive stretches of fishable water on the Oregon Coast.

Seasonal Whale Watching Included in Fishing Trips!

When you’re out on the ocean, you’re in whale and porpoise territory. Jamison sees them regularly on ocean trips—grey whales, humpbacks on occasion, and porpoises in numbers. Nobody books a trip for the wildlife, but nobody complains about it either.

Local Tillamook Dining Favorites

Pelican Brewing Company (Tillamook)
A popular coastal brewery destination offering pub fare such as fish and chips, burgers, and chowder, paired with Pelican’s award‑winning beers. One of Oregon’s most recognizable independent breweries, serving a rotating selection of year‑round and seasonal beers brewed on the Oregon Coast.

Pacific Oyster
Located slightly south in Bay City, this waterfront restaurant is famous for fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and locally sourced seafood with bay views.

Blue Heron French Cheese Company
Offers European‑style cheeses, sandwiches, soups, and baked goods alongside a gift shop and creamery experiences.

Rosanna’s Café
A local favorite for breakfast and brunch, serving scratch‑made pastries, espresso drinks, and hearty breakfast plates.

Jandy Oyster Company
Situated in Tillamook, known for fresh oysters and casual seafood offerings straight from the source.

Things to Do Around Tillamook, Oregon

Tillamook Creamery
Yes, it’s touristy. The ice cream is genuinely good. The squeaky cheese curds are a favorite. Usually open every day, Tillamook Creamery is a must‑visit attraction featuring a self‑guided factory tour, cheese sampling, ice cream, and a café showcasing local foods. Admission is free and family‑friendly.

Outdoor Adventures Around Tillamook, Oregon

Cape Lookout State Park
A peninsula that juts miles out into the Pacific, with a hiking trail that follows the ridge all the way to the point. On a clear day, the views north and south along the coast are stunning.

Ideal for hiking, camping, beach walks, and whale watching. The park’s dramatic headland offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Tillamook State Forest [ODOF PDF guide]
Explore hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic drives through dense coastal rainforest.

Kayaking & Water Trails
The Tillamook County Water Trail [TCWT PDF guide] features over 250 miles of paddle routes across rivers, bays, and sloughs, suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Tillamook Area Beaches & Coastal Sights

Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree
A historic lighthouse perched above the ocean, paired with one of Oregon’s most unusual natural landmarks—a massive, many‑limbed Sitka spruce.

Rockaway Beach & Netarts Bay
Spend time beachcombing, clamming, crabbing, or simply enjoying sunset views just minutes from downtown Tillamook.

Three Capes Scenic Route
A popular coastal drive connecting Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda, offering some of the most scenic viewpoints on the Oregon Coast.

Oceanside
A small beach town north of Cape Lookout with rocky beaches, tide pools, agates, and some of the best coast scenery in Oregon. Far less visited than the main coast towns.

Tillamook History & Culture

Tillamook Air Museum
Housed in one of the world’s largest wooden clear‑span structures, this museum highlights WWII aviation history and restored aircraft.

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum
Learn about the region’s Native history, logging, dairy farming, and early coastal settlement through engaging exhibits.

Seasonal & Family‑Friendly Activities

• Crabbing and clamming in Tillamook Bay.
• Storm watching and whale migration viewing in winter.
• Farmers markets and local festivals in warmer months.
• Easy nature walks and paved trails suitable for all ages.
• Fishing!
• (More fishing! 😂)

Local Shopping in Tillamook, Rockaway Beach & Pacific City

The Tillamook Coast is home to charming downtown shops, beach boutiques, artisan markets, and locally owned stores that make shopping part of the coastal experience. From handmade goods to coastal keepsakes, visitors will find unique treasures throughout the area.

Shopping in Tillamook

Tillamook’s walkable downtown includes boutiques, florists, specialty food stores, thrift and vintage shops, and artisan goods curated by local businesses.

Salty Raven Flagship Store
A locally loved shop featuring coastal art, handcrafted jewelry, gifts, and regional artwork. It also doubles as a small art gallery showcasing local creators.

Blue Heron French Cheese Company Shop
A popular stop for specialty cheeses, wine, gift baskets, and gourmet food items—perfect for edible souvenirs (also see below under dining, too).

Jacobsen Salt Co. Store
Located near Netarts Bay, this shop offers hand‑harvested sea salts, kitchen goods, and Oregon‑made products straight from the source.

Shopping in Rockaway Beach

Flamingo Jim’s Gifts & Clothing
One of Rockaway Beach’s best‑known shops, offering playful yard art, coastal clothing, souvenirs, and gifts for all ages.

Rockaway Beach is known for its antique shops, thrift stores, candy stores, and jewelry shops lining Highway 101—great for leisurely browsing.

Shopping in Pacific City

Village Shops at Brooten Road
A charming cluster of boutiques and small shops offering clothing, home décor, candy, books, gifts, and coastal keepsakes—all in one walkable area.

Pacific Coast Candy
A favorite stop for handmade chocolates, sea‑salt caramels, retro candy, and Tillamook ice‑cream treats.

Lucky Beach Boutique
A stylish coastal boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, and home goods with a laid‑back beach vibe.

Getting to Tillamook

Tillamook is approximately 90 minutes southwest of Portland via Highway 6. The drive through the Coast Range is scenic, and the approach into Tillamook through the Wilson River Canyon is one of the better mountain drives in the state.

Tillamook area map by Google Maps