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TRIP 7 Wilson Falls

Distance		2.9 miles, Out-and-back
Elevation Gain		350 feet
Hiking Time		1½ hours
Optional Map		Tillamook State Forest
Usually Open		All year
Best Time		Mid-April to early June
Trail Use		Good for kids, dogs OK, mountain biking
Agency		Forest Grove District, Tillamook State Forest
Difficulty		Moderate
Note		Good in cloudy weather

HIGHLIGHTS This relatively short outing makes either a great leg-stretcher while traveling to the coast or a worthwhile destination in its own right. The tranquil forest setting and beautiful Wilson Falls are both top-notch, and if they aren’t enough to justify the drive, several other nearby attractions are of both scenic and historical interest.

DIRECTIONS Drive west on State Highway 6 toward Tillamook and park at gravel pull-outs on either side of the road just after you pass milepost 20.

The trail goes 80 yards west along the highway shoulder and then descends a flight of moss-covered stone stairs to a large wooden bridge over a rocky gorge on the Wilson River. Once across the bridge, the trail crosses a small flood-damaged area and then climbs 150 yards to an unsigned junction with the Wilson River Trail.

You turn right (upstream) and wander gradually uphill through a lovely woodland dominated by red alder and vine maple. Although you can hear the sounds of traffic on nearby Highway 6, the landscape feels and looks like a remote wilderness. This is particularly true in the spring and summer when the deciduous trees have all their leaves and effectively block any view of the road. Another advantage of a visit in spring or early summer is that the forest is alive with the songs of warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, wrens, and other birds.

You soon cross a seasonal side creek on a log bridge and then wander up and down through a lush and attractive forest. After crossing a second seasonal creek at 0.8 mile, the trail climbs two switchbacks and comes to the top of a minor ridge. Here the path makes a sharp left turn and then goes mostly downhill for 0.2 mile to the base of Wilson Falls, which is on an unnamed side creek. Instead of dropping in a single spectacular fall, Wilson Falls cascades down a very steep cliff creating a veil-like appearance that is quite beautiful. Maidenhair ferns, devil’s clubs, yellow monkeyflowers, bleeding hearts, and other water-loving plants complete the scene. The falls is most attractive in the spring when the plants are bright green and the creek is full of water. Although the Wilson River Trail continues beyond the falls, most of the next few miles are near the road and are not recommended.

Since this is a fairly short hike, you might consider extending your stay by visiting other nearby attractions. First and foremost, don’t miss the short hike to Bridge Creek Falls. Starting from the same trailhead as the main hike, walk 40 yards west along the south side of Highway 6, and then turn left up a short flight of stone stairs into the canyon of Bridge Creek. The narrow trail climbs for 0.1 mile to the base of this tall waterfall, which cascades down a dark cliff face. Two unnatural but very interesting nearby attractions are also worth your time. Smith Homestead and the Tillamook Forest Center both offer human and natural history displays and information. They are located about 2 miles east (back toward Portland) on Highway 6.

Wilson River below Footbridge Trailhead