Tillamook Head Overnight

Trail Name: Tillamook Head

Enter/Exit: In and Out

Trip type: Hike or short backpack

Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation and mud

Distance:  7.6 Miles

Elevation: 982

Guide: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Tillamook_Head_Traverse_Hike

Review:

Because the Oregon Coast is often temperate year round I have found myself atop Tillamook Head in the winter months a handful of time. This doesn’t mean its warm nor dry but suitable enough to brave the elements in hope that a hiker hut will be available to camp in for the night. The trail is often muddy and only once have I hiked it without rain but every time there is something new to see and a lesson to learn. The Hike can be done as a point to point if the trail head at Indian Beach on the Cannon Beach side of the Head is open. Keep in mind if you are wanting to spend the night that there is no overnight parking at the trailhead (I’ve heard you can ask for permission form the Seaside Police) so you may need to park nearby. The climb begins gradually but gets steeper quickly. The views are almost entirely forested with brief glimpses to the Pacific Ocean below if the fog is not too thick. Upon dropping down into the Hiker Huts it is not uncommon to see groups of backpackers or hikers gathered around the fire ring when weather permits or at the covered tables enjoying a meal or snack.

The huts are first come first serve and it is always wise to pack a tent because not only can the huts fill but sometimes a tent is needed inside the hut if the roof is leaking at the time (this is a common occurrence). A short hike down to the point of Tillamook head can often show beautiful views of Terrible Tilly, the Tillamook Head Lighthouse. On the west side of that trail is a (typically flowing) stream that can be used to collect water to filter and drink. I have been there in the past when despite heavy rains the stream was not flowing and pots and cups had to be left out to collect enough water for food and drinks.

Back at the camp there is a toilet that is typically stocked and continuing west on the trail will lead down to Indian Beach and braver souls can continue down to Cannon Beach.

Tillamook head is a popular trail and best used during the week or off season. As always please remember to leave no trace and pack out anything you packed in. Part of Leave no Trace is not forging your own path around the frequent water features and may mean that you have to cancel your trip due to the amount of water on trail as hiking through can lead to accelerated trail erosion. Please don’t be like me in the video and plan for weather properly and know when to bail for the safety of you and the integrity of the trail. Cheers!

Rating: Bag it if conditions are right!

Rating Guide:

-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person.

-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day.

-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night.

-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.

-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it is so good!