Tillamook Forest

Dates

July 15-19, 2026 (4 nights)

About

Tillamook State Forest offers rocky climbs, lush forest trails, and optional coastal dune riding a short drive away. Nearby Sand Lake Recreation Area (~45 min from Tillamook) is great for a dune day. Astoria (~1.5 hrs north) is worth a side trip — especially if you’re a fan of The Goonies, Short Circuit, or Kindergarten Cop.

Itinerary

• 07/15 (Wed) – Meet & greet in Tillamook; easy warm-up trails if time allows
• 07/16 (Thu) – Cedar Tree (Jeep BOH #13) + easier forest trails
• 07/17 (Fri) – Firebreak 5 (Jeep BOH #14) — hard day; lockers, 35” tires & winch recommended; early start
• 07/18 (Sat) – Sand Lake Dunes (weather permitting)
• 07/19 (Sun) – Departure

Lodging

Camping (closest to trails)

• Brown’s Camp OHV Campground – Trailhead access, vault toilets, water; no hookups. OHV permit required for overnight stay. Tent / self-contained / toy hauler.
• Trask River RV Park (26905 Trask River Rd, Tillamook) – Full hookups, ~30 min to Brown’s Camp; cabins & tiny houses available.

Hotels (Tillamook area)

• Ashley Inn of Tillamook – Pool, breakfast (~15–20 min from Trask River)
• Tillamook Inn (Main St) – Budget-friendly, near the Creamery
• Inn at Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City) – Beach town, ~40 min from Tillamook

Getting There

~12 hours from Santa Cruz — plan one long day or two shorter ones.

Required Gear & Permits

• Oregon ATV Operating Permit – $10 / 2 years; required on OHV trails and dunes even for plated rigs (purchase here). CA reciprocity applies; WA/ID/UT/AZ do not.
• Fire season (Tillamook forest): shovel (blade ≥8”, handle ≥26”), 2.5 lb+ ABC extinguisher
• Sand Lake: OHV permit + 9-ft red/orange whip flag
• Tow points & recovery gear
• Offline trail maps (cell service is unreliable)
• Spare tire and basic tools
• Layers for Pacific Northwest weather

Vehicle Requirements

4x4 with good clearance recommended. Stock vehicles can handle easier trails, but some routes are more technical. Firebreak 5 requires lockers, 35” tires, and a winch.

Questions?

Contact Trail Leader Dariusz Smigiel or reach out at our monthly club meetings.