Tilamook Forest Center

The Visiting Info shown below, if any, is always subject to change. Please check the facility's website for the latest information before making a trip.

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O V E R V I E W

Facility:

Description:

The Tilamook Forest Center, located 50 miles west of Portland in the Tilamook State Forest, is a very special place of learning and discovery for homeschool families. It is one of Oregon's finest examples of interactive forest-based education with both an indoor center and outdoor classroom.

A D D R E S S

Address 1:

45500 Wilson River Highway

Address 2:

City:

Tilamook

State/Province:

Zip Code:

97141

V I S I T I N G I N F O

Hours:

Wed thru Sun, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Telephone:

5038156800 (866) 930-4646

Website:

Visit Website

R E V I E W S

Mrs. K, Co-op Member

The Forest Center was one of the best 'field trips' our family has taken since we started teaching the kids at home. We planned a brief visit on our way to the coast. I wish we could have stayed a couple more hours and we didn't even explore any of the outdoor trails or centers. My 1st grader really got into the creature identification game right at the start. Different 'trees' and displays showed several animal homes and had circles with clues on them. Inside drawers were animal or plant magnets you could place on the circles, and an answer sheet to check your guesses afterward. My younger two almost had to be dragged out of the play area shaped like a hollow tree stump. I believe there were even some animal costumes to dress the part. Lots of focus went to the various aspects of the Tillamook fires. At a phone station, you could listen to recordings of people recounting their experiences. Fire fighter gear was available to touch and try on. A small cabin showed what life was like for loggers living in the forest in earlier times. We were fascinated with all the good things that come out of a forest fire. More animal habitats were modeled and items made with the trees were displayed. It felt as though we would never find the back wall. Eventually we did, but it lead right out to open spaces and trails just waiting to be explored. All five of us (Dad, Mom, 1st grade, Pre-K, and toddler) want to go back again and again. If only we lived closer...