We offer special training opportunities with our volunteer coordinator..JPG

adult & college groups

Programs & Events | K-12 Field Trips & Group Visits |

Homeschool, Small Class, & Youth Groups | Adult & College Groups

Adult & College Group Visits | In-Depth Exploration

Explore Resources ↟

2014 Fall Swedish Foresters Tour (1).JPG

There is lots to see and do at the Tillamook Forest Center, including a visit for an In-Depth Exploration. From senior groups, to tours, corporate day trips, college visits, and more, your group is invited to visit for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest.

In-Depth Explorations include a warm welcome and site orientation to help you get the most out of your visit. Your group is then able to go on their own to explore the Center, lookout tower, and trails.

Our events calendar shows free public programs, available for anyone to join. Private naturalist talks and special requests may be available as an add-on.

School Field Trips & Youth Visits ↟

Advance booking is required:

Any group* comprised of 10 or more individuals (including children and adults) must schedule their visit in advance of their arrival.

**This does not include families. It includes all groups wanting to visit the inside of the Tillamook Forest Center, including just quick bathroom stops.

In-Depth Exploration | Things to know and requirements

Booking, Payment & Cancellations

Visits must be booked at least seven days in advance.
The facility use fee (including just quick bathroom stops) is $5/person. Payment is due at time of booking with a credit card.
Extra individuals on the day of the visit must be paid upon arrival.

Cancellation Policy:

30+ days before visit: refundable minus $50 administration fee.
Less than 30 days before visit: no refunds given.
No refunds for no-shows or scheduled individuals who do not attend.
While rare, the Tillamook Forest Center reserves the right to cancel your visit for any reason (most likely: extreme weather or power outages). Every attempt to re-book your group will be made. A full refund will be given if no alterative date can be found.

Food & Beverages | Lunch Locations

Please remember that food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibit hall, theater or lookout tower.
Due to our remote location, we ask all groups to practice Leave No Trace ethics and pack out all lunch waste and take it with them.
There may be a small selection of snacks available in the gift shop.
The Tillamook Forest Center does not have space to store coolers. Clean, sealed coolers may be transported through the exhibit hall. Dirty, sticky, or leaking coolers are not permitted in the building.

Lunch Locations

At no additional cost:

Picnic Area Next to the Parking Lot (occupancy = 59)
The uncovered picnic area is located at the south end of the parking lot and offers one ADA table that seats nine, and five tables that seat ten. Use of this area is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bus shelter/Gathering Area (occupancy = 33)
This covered area provides a rock wall for seating.
Wilson River Suspension Bridge (occupancy = 16)
Depending on the season, the bridge deck near the north end of the building offers four metal tables with four chairs each and shade umbrellas in the sunny months. This area requires access to the building and bridge is maintained for pedestrian traffic. Use of this area is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Smith Homestead (occupancy = 20 - 30)
The grassy area around the Smith Homestead can be used for a picnic lunch. There are two picnic tables in the grassy area, some in the island in the middle of the parking lot, and spots to eat along the trail. Please note that the learning shelter, concreate pad, and gravel area are reservable. Use of the other areas is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For an additional fee:

TBD

Facility Highlights

Award Winning Building | Exhibit Hall

Exhibits will…

Recreate a sense of the original pre-burn Coast Range forest.
Share stories of human life in the forest, past and present.
Portray the tragedy of the fires, the remarkable salvage efforts, and the determination and public spirit that led to successful reforestation.
Put you in the role of natural resource decision-maker to understand forest management choices and the importance of forests to our lives.

Theater | Legacy of Fire Movie

A 15-minute, award winning film about wildfire in the Tillamook State Forest.
Movie plays on the hour and ½ hour, with the last showing of the day ½ hour before closing.
Content warning: Includes wildfire sights and sounds, which those who have been affected by wildfire may find upsetting.

Fire Lookout Tower

A replica of a 1955 lookout tower, complete with a real Osborne Fire Finder, bed, insulated stool, and radio.
Maximum occupancy is 27, please help us out with safety and wait your turn if the tower is full.

Tillamook Forest Center Trails

Regardless of the weather, the forest is where the magic is! The TFC’s River View Trail (0.5 mile) and Lookout Loop Trail (0.2 mile) are ADA accessible.
Umbrellas are available to borrow.
The suspension bridge over the Wilson River connects to the Wilson River Trail. Find a trail guide here.

Note: The bridge gate and parking lot lock at closing.

Gift shop

Forest-related items for everyone!
Bring home a unique gift to make your TFC visit truly unforgettable.

Book & Pay Online