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Everywhere you look, picturesque dairy cows graze on lush green grass around Tillamook, Oregon. Located a few miles inland from the Oregon coast, Tillamook is one of Oregon's top tourist attractions.
Cheese tasting is a favorite family activity. The Tillamook Cheese Visitor's Center and the Blue Heron Cheese and Wine Company, both in north Tillamook, offer samples of cheeses and many gourmet foods. Blue Heron is famous for brie, as well as for the wide variety of Oregon wines available in their wine tasting room. There is a petting zoo for the kids, and sandwiches are available at their deli.
Drive south of Tillamook on Highway 101, and you'll see an enormous hangar looming in the distance. This building, which is the largest clear span wooden structure in the world, houses the Tillamook Air Museum. Previously used in World War II as a blimp hangar, it now contains a collection of World War II fighter planes and blimps, as well as photographs and memorabilia from the war. It is fascinating to experience the sheer size of the building. The museum also includes a gift shop, theater, and a 1940's style cafe.
Develop a deeper knowledge of Oregon's forests at the Tillamook Forest Center. Located in the heart of the Tillamook Burn, the educational center focuses on forest-based learning. Visitors can explore hiking trails, a 250 foot long suspension bridge and a 40 foot tall replica of a lookout tower. Educational and interpretive exhibits emphasize the history of the Tillamook Burn, and its effect on forest management practices today.
The history of Tillamook County is well represented at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum. Located in the old courthouse building in downtown Tillamook, the museum includes logging memorabilia, a stagecoach, natural history dioramas, a fossil, rock and mineral collection, pioneer and Native American artifacts, and many other interesting exhibits.
Ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad for a special way to see the Tillamook area and the beautiful Oregon coast. The 1910 Heisler steam locomotive runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway. The one and one half hour round trip includes a layover in the town opposite your boarding location. The Oregon Coast Steam Adventure runs a day trip from Garibaldi to Wheeler, Nehalem River Canyon, and on to Salmonberry, if track conditions permit. Passengers lunch at a stopover at Nehalem Winery. This trip is a photograpers' favorite, as it winds through some of the most scenic areas on the coast.
Munson Creek Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the Coast Range, is located seven miles south of Tillamook. A short trail leads you to the base of the spectacular 266 foot high waterfall, and the picnic area nearby. An additional half mile trail leads to the upper falls and a viewing platform. The road to the falls is not well developed, and isn't suitable for large vacation vehicles.
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