Page 7 - Closer Look 2014

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In 2013, Clean Water Services completed the first phase of a Tillamook Forest Center

five-year enhancement project, which includes a new trail Interactive exhibits and information on the past, present and
segment and a Japanese garden, including a water feature, a future of the Tillamook State Forest can be found at the
foot-bridge and new native plants.
Tillamook Forest Center. Located 35 miles west of Hillsboro
and 22 miles east of Tillamook on Highway 6, the center is a
l
nonprofit interpretive center.
Banks-Vernonia State Trai
From the 1920s to the 1950s, logs were transported to the
Just a century ago, the area was served by stagecoach and
Oregon-American Mill in Vernonia from as far south as Banks. home to frontier families.
With programs for kids and adults year-round, education is
That former railroad right-of-way is now the Banks-Vernonia
State Trail, the first of Oregon's rails-to-trails parks. Today, this the name of the game at the forest center. Some teach learners
about the world-famous Tillamook Burn of the 1930s. Others
21-mile linear park connects the rural communities of Banks
and Vernonia.
have visitors climbing a fire lookout tower or watching for fish
The southern trailhead in Banks opened in 2010, completing while standing on a 250-foot-long suspension bridge over the
Wilson River.
the project. The park’s biking, hiking, jogging and equestrian
trails are accessible at several trailheads along the route, Information about hours, events and programs is available
including Manning, Buxton (where it connects with Stub online at www.tillamoookforestcenter.org or by calling 866-
930-4646. Admission is free.
Stewart State Park), Tophill and Beaver Creek.
Those traveling the full length of the trail will cross a dozen
Wine Country
bridges spanning Dairy Creek, Beaver Creek and the Nehalem
River. More information about this historic trail is available at During a day exploring everything western Washington
www.oregonstateparks.org.
County has to to offer, why not include a stop or two at the

many wineries and restaurants clustered along Highway 47?
Stub Stewart State Park
Friendly tasting rooms — where visitors can sample world-
class pinots grown and produced right on site — offer beautiful
Washington County’s only state park offers a range of
activities for everyone.
views of bucolic vineyards that leave folks wanting to come
back again and again.
Located on Highway 47 about four miles north of Highway
26, Stub Stewart features 1,654 acres for hiking, biking, Many of the area’s vineyards use biodynamic farming
contemplation and discovery.
methods and produce organic wines.
Your guide to the “road less traveled but more pleasing to
The opportunities here are practically endless. Spend a
Saturday on a family picnic or make a weekend of it. Choose the palate” is available at www.sip47.com. ■
from full hook-up campsites, a walk-in campground, a horse

camp or rustic cabins and yurts. Opened in 2007, the park
features forested hills, creeks and canyons that have been

restored as a native fish habitat.
Try out the mountain bike freeride skills area that debuted
in 2012 or play the 18-hole disc golf course near the Hilltop

day-use area.
The park is open year-round. Reservations can be made by
calling 1-800-452-5687 or online at www.oregonstateparks.org.

Wine Country
Stub Stewart State Park