Find the best cheddar paired with stunning views in Tillamook.
Victoria/Adobe Stock
Oregon is known for its lush forests, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rugged coastline.
Its also the top-producing state for countless crops, including blueberries, hazelnuts, and onions.
Downtown Tillamook, Oregon.Credit:Victoria/Adobe Stock
The Tillamook County Creamery Association makes butter, yogurt, ice cream, and plenty of cheddar cheese.
Want to try it straight from the source?
Plan a trip to Tillamook, located just about 1.5 hours west of Portland.
Guests line up outside the Tillamook Creamery.Getty Images
Its a unique place geographically this is where the Coast Range mountains meet the sea.
Five rivers converge here; there are sloughs, capes, beaches, and a bay.
Ready to plan your trip?
From left: The view of Haystack Rock from a room at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa; Hart’s Camp, where you can stay overnight in an Airstream.Molly Allen/Travel + Leisure
Read on for the best things to eat, see, and do in Tillamook.
Less than 10 miles west of town, in charming Oceanside,Three Arch Innoffers rooms with waterfront views.
A bit further south onHighway 101, consider Pacific City for multiple accommodation options under the same hospitality group.
From left: Tillamook Creamery; ice cream from Tillamook.Molly Allen/Travel + Leisure
Find cozy rooms with fireplaces at theInn at Cape Kiwandaor stay the night in an Airstream trailer atHarts Camp.
Best Things to Do
Visit the Tillamook Creamery.
TheTillamook Creameryis a top attraction in Tillamook.
Sunset at the Garibaldi marina.Sankar Raman/Getty Images
Wander through the Tillamook Forest Center.
There’s also a fire lookout tower to climb.
Its just gorgeous in the summer and with fall colors.
Cape Meares Lighthouse.David Rigg/Getty Images
Go crabbing and clamming.
According to Allen,Big Spruce Boat RentalsandGaribaldi Marinaboth offer boat and gear rentals for crabbing.
Check our craft breweries.
Crab cakes at The Schooner.
Its surprising to find multiplecraft breweriesin a small town, but Tillamook delivers.
According to Sawyer, world-renownedDe Garde Brewingis a must-visit.
The brewery focuses on beers with native yeast and bacteria, producing naturally fermented brews aged in oak barrels.
Early autumn at the Tillamook Forest Center.Getty Images
On the next street over, stop in atPelican Brewing Company one of four taprooms on the coast.
The beer here has been brewed at their beachfront brewery in nearby Pacific City.
While Werners started as a meat snack company, the twin brother owners began brewing in 2017.
Drive the Cape Meares Loop.
David Rigg/Getty Images
you might drive west of town through a variety of dramatic scenery.
Other menu options include Philly cheesesteaks and garlic fries.
The menu includes oyster shooters, clam chowder, and po’boys, all prepped with local seafood.
Have lunch or dinner inside or sit out at a picnic table in the garden.
Bear Creek Artichokes
For a leisurely lunch, head toBear Creek Artichokes.
Its great for sipping wine and taking your time enjoying the garden, Allen said.
Dont skip walking through the greenhouse and gift shop before leaving.
This will help you avoid the rainy season and experience more sunny days along the coast.
However, Tillamook can be an excellent destination all year round if youre prepared for it.
Fewer visitors, fewer people out and about, he added.
The drive from PDX to downtown Tillamook is just under two hours through a winding pass.
How to Get Around
Its best to have a car so you might explore on your own.
There’s a transportation system called theNW Connectorthat runs from Portland and through Tillamook to other coastal towns.
However, this doesnt allow for visiting many other spots throughout town.
