As families across Oregon and Washington begin making spring and summer travel plans, many are searching for lower-cost alternatives to long-distance vacations. Oregon’s Tillamook Coast—less than two hours from Portland and the Willamette Valley—is seeing renewed interest from cost-conscious travelers looking to stay closer to home while still enjoying outdoor experiences.
Local organizations are encouraging visitors to consider a range of free and low-cost activities across the region, from beach walks and tidepooling, to hiking trails, fat tire biking, and exploring local rivers and bays by kayak. Several trails also offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Camping continues to be one of the most affordable lodging options in Tillamook County, with multiple county-managed campgrounds welcoming visitors this season. These include Barview Jetty County Campground near the beach and jetty, Trask River and Kilchis River County Campgrounds nestled in the forest along popular fishing rivers, Webb County Campground near the beach at Pacific City, and both Whalen Island and Woods County Campgrounds, which offer quiet settings for kayaking and birding. Make camping and RV reservations at www.reservations.co.tillamook.or.us.
“The county parks are a major resource for visitors who want to experience the outdoors without spending a lot,” said Nan Devlin, executive director of the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. “We encourage people to take advantage of our accessible and budget-friendly camping options.”
Local food remains another draw for visitors seeking affordability. Farmers markets, food trucks, and casual eateries offer meals made with fresh, local ingredients at family-friendly prices. Find your favorite food carts in a recent Tillamook Coast blog post on food carts and food cart pods from Nehalem and Wheeler, down through Garibaldi, Tillamook and Neskowin. Explore the North Coast Food Trail and build a custom local fresh seafood travel itinerary.
Travelers can also save by visiting during the shoulder and off-seasons—fall, winter, and early spring—when lodging rates are typically lower and crowds are minimal. Booking directly through local lodging providers helps avoid third-party fees and ensures more visitor dollars stay in the community. A full list of accommodations is available at www.tillamookcoast.com/lodgings.
The region continues to emphasize responsible tourism practices. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace guidelines to help protect the coast’s natural beauty. The “Explore Nature” program—a collaboration among eight Tillamook County environmental organizations—offers free, family-friendly stewardship events. For those traveling with family or in small groups, TCVA also offers “Volunteer Adventure” projects that can be planned in advance to support local stewardship while spending meaningful time outdoors. Find Explore Nature events at www.explorenaturetillamookcoast.com and learn about Volunteer Adventures at www.tillamookcoast.com/what-to-do/tourism-adventures.
More information on where to go, what to do and how to plan an affordable trip is available at www.tillamookcoast.com.
About Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (dba Visit Tillamook Coast) is a destination management organization committed to sustainable tourism principles of community, stewardship and economic vitality. We support the Tillamook Coast through initiatives guided by those principles, including outdoor recreation, accessibility, culinary/agritourism, cultural heritage/arts, community development, natural resources and public safety. For more information, visit www.tillamookcoast.com.
