Cedar Wetlands Preserve Trail

  A tiny remnant of old-growth coastal bog, surrounded by commercial and residential development, protects large cedar trees including one that’s 154 feet in height, almost 50 feet in circumference, and is estimated to be 500-900 years old. The bog is also home to salmonberry, coast sedge, evergreen huckleberry, red huckleberry, willow, alder, hemlock, and skunk-cabbage.

  This a a wonderful trail, short and easy with much variety and interesting things to see. A newly installed boardwalk leads to the largest cedar tree. The tree is lumpy and knotty and appears to have multiple trunks.

 

The trail is about 1 mile out and back, and completely accessible.

  The parking lot is not signed well so it’s hard to spot from the road. It’s not large enough for anything longer than a van. RVs may be parked along the side of the road but exiting and getting to the trail entrance can be difficult and a bit dangerous if the traffic is heavy. Preserve  45.60116, -123.94578

Sitka Sedge Natural Area

The 357 acres of tidal marsh, mudflats, dunes, forested wetlands, and uplands at the south end of the Sand Lake estuary was being considered for a development that would have included a destination style golf course community with a hotel, timeshare condos and a restaurant. Fortunately the plan didn’t pass due to zoning restrictions and wetland protection laws.

  In 2014 the property was bought by the Oregon Park Department. A portion of the land had been farmed for over 80 years and a dike holds back the tidal waters. Plans are in the works to allow water to flow back into the farmland.

   The trail runs along the top of the dike before entering the forest, passing along the dunes with paths going to the beach and then looping back to the dike trail.

The dike trail is flat and accessible. The rest of the trail is not accessible with many very difficult obstacles -  large roots, steep hills and soft sand.

       The parking lot is small but if it’s not busy it may be possible to park long RVs across the spaces. Trail  45.26275, -123.95439

 

Garibaldi Museum

  Garibaldi, Oregon, perched on the northern end of Tillamook Bay, was a lumber mill town in the 1950s – 1970s with three mills for a time. Only one mill remains and the dominate activity is fishing by both commercial and recreational fisherman.

  The museum focuses mainly on the maritime history of the area with a large section on Captain Robert Gray who is credited with finding the passage from the Pacific Ocean to the Columbia River, something that had eluded other non-native explorers. There’s also an exhibit featuring Native American artifacts and history. Everything is nicely done.

  The first floor is accessible. The second floor can be accessed by steps or by going outside and following the sidewalk to the rear entrance. This is an uphill trip and most wheelchair users will need assistance. The museum personnel must open the rear door.

  The parking lot is sloped. We parked in the spaces nearest to the street which are fairly level. The parking lot is large enough for most RVs.  Museum  45.51251, -123.88071

Hoquarton Interpretive Trail

  The trail follows along the bank of the Hoquarton Slough and has several docks on the water and interpretive signs with details on the human history of the area and the importance of wetlands. A wide parallel trail is suitable for bike riding and other wheeled activities.

                Both trails are paved and accessible. They start at the parking lot but do not connect at the other end so both are out and back trails and less than a mile in total distance. 

  The parking lot isn’t large enough for any vehicle other than very short RVs or vans. Larger RVs can be parked on the streets. The sidewalks and curb cuts are in very good condition. Trail  45.45831, -123.84333

Tillamook Farmer’s Market

  Booths lined both sides of a long block adjacent to the courthouse. Baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and handmade craft are among the items offered for sale. We bought a half a dozen freshly made pitas, free range eggs, and cherries.

  The market is accessible.

  Parking is available on the side streets.  Market  45.45706, -123.8421

Umpqua Discovery Center

  The center has two sections on either side of the gift shop. The nature section features a walk through the “forest” with beautiful murals and special signage for kids. The other side has exhibits on the history of the area.

  The museum is accessible. The nature walk has switchbacks leading up to a cave where interesting short videos can be viewed and then goes back down on the same path.

   The parking lot is too small for RVs but RVs can be parked a block south on Riverfront Way in the gravel Rainbow Plaza lot. Center  43.70495, -124.09582

 

Tyee Recreation Site

   Fifteen campsites sit high above the Umpqua River. A few have a river view and the rest are tucked into the trees. All of them are very roomy so this is a great campground if your group is large. Amenities include tables, fire rings and vault toilets. There’s no cell service.

  All of the sites except one are accessible. The paved trail that follows the edge of the hill above the river is paved and accessible but the steps and path down to the river are not. Campground  43.48497, -123.48415

Threehorn Campground

   The five campsites in this tiny campground look as if they haven’t been used for at least a year – maybe due to coronavirus or maybe just because very few people drive along Tiller Trail Highway as it winds its way through the forest. Whatever the reason, we had our choice of campsites and a very quiet night.

  The campsites are short and not very level. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. No fee during our stay because the toilet is not getting regular cleanings and trash pickup is suspended.

  The picnic tables have extended tops and the ground appears to be hard packed but I did not go outside due to rain. Campground  42.80232, -122.8689

Red Tail Rim Trail North Trailhead

  The parking lot for the trailhead is large and flat so it’s a good spot for boondocking. There’s a picnic table, vault toilet, and hitching posts for horses. The trail seems to be primarily for horse travel and gets minimal use. The surrounding land is Modoc National Forest with a network of roads which may be worth checking out for more secluded camping spots. We walked almost a mile northeast on Forest Road 40N29 but found the terrain is too hilly for camping. Trail  41.30682, -120.8934