6 Best Sights in Tillamook, The Oregon Coast

Located about 8 miles south of the beach town Netarts, this pristine and diverse park includes a moderately easy (though often muddy) 2-mile trail—marked on the highway as "wildlife viewing area"—that leads through giant spruces, western red cedars, and hemlocks, and ends with mesmerizing views of Cascade Head to the south and Cape Meares to the north. Wildflowers, more than 150 species of birds, and occasional whales throughout the summer months make this trail a favorite with nature lovers. The section of the park just north of the trail comprises a long, curving stretch of beach with picnic areas and campsites.

Cheese and ice cream lovers of all ages have long made a stop by the largest cheese-making plant on the West Coast, as much to enjoy free samples and snack on delicious ice cream (try the marionberry pie flavor). At the striking, contemporary visitor center, learn about cheese making through informative signs and by watching the process from a glassed-in mezzanine. The impressive gourmet market stocks Tillamook's many varieties of cheddar, produced in part with milk from thousands of local Holstein and brown Swiss cows, as well as chocolates, charcuterie, and other mostly Oregon-made snacks and beverages, including wine and craft beer. Additionally, a huge food hall with soaring windows and ample seating dispenses Tillamook cheeseburgers, pizzas, mac and cheese, and sweets.

On the northern tip of the Three Capes Loop, this small but spectacular park and vista is the site of the restored Cape Meares Lighthouse, built in 1890 and open to the public May through September (the grounds are open year-round). It provides a sweeping view from a 200-foot-tall cliff to the caves and sea lion rookery on the rocks below, and this is a great perch for seeing whales during their migrations. A many-trunked Sitka spruce known as the Octopus Tree grows near the lighthouse parking lot.

This relatively small, sandy cove is a great stop at the midpoint along the Three Capes Loop. It's especially popular with beachcombers and kids for both its shallow, gentle surf and the low-tide bowls and tide pools. When the water recedes, a tunnel appears through the north rock face, allowing passage to a second, rocky cove. There are a few fun, casual spots for ice cream and light bites steps from the beach. In summer, the small parking lot fills quickly, and a walk through the hilly side streets is sometimes required. Amenities: none. Best for: walking; partiers.

In Tillamook's 1905 county courthouse, this extensive, three-floor museum is an intriguing, old-fashioned hodgepodge of Native American, pioneer, logging, and natural history exhibits, along with antique vehicles and military artifacts.

In the world's largest wooden structure, a former blimp hangar south of town displays a fine collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles, mostly from around the World War II era, as well as a vast trove of artifacts and memorabilia, including war uniforms, photos, and remains from the Hindenburg. The 20-story-high building is big enough to hold half a dozen football fields.