Deep in Oregon's Coast Range, Tillamook State Forest is one of the Pacific Northwest's premier destinations for off-road driving. Dense Douglas-fir forests, moss-covered trees, steep ridges, muddy climbs, rock gardens, and an extensive network of forest roads give the area a character unlike the wide-open terrain found across much of the West.
The Browns Camp and Jordan Creek areas are at the center of Tillamook's four-wheel-drive trail system. Together with Diamond Mill, they provide more than 250 miles of designated OHV trails ranging from easy forest roads to extreme technical terrain. Browns Camp is especially popular with four-wheel-drive enthusiasts and provides direct access to a large interconnected network of trails.
Conditions are a major part of the Tillamook experience. A trail that is manageable during a dry summer afternoon can become considerably more difficult after days of Oregon rain. Mud, deep ruts, slick roots, wet rock, standing water, and steep forested hillsides frequently make traction the deciding factor. The Trails Offroad guides for the area reflect that variety, from relatively mild sections of Archers Firebreak to trails where lockers, larger tires, careful spotting, and recovery equipment become increasingly important.
Firebreak Five is arguably Tillamook's best-known 4x4 trail and one of Oregon's Jeep Badge of Honor trails. Its rock gardens and changing conditions can turn a reasonable summer challenge into a serious wet-weather obstacle.
Cedar Tree is another Jeep Badge of Honor trail and one of the forest's signature drives. Its namesake is a massive fallen cedar that became an iconic photo stop, while water holes, forest obstacles, and tight terrain add to the experience.
7 Up offers two very different personalities. The Easy Way provides a challenging forest drive suitable for many capable 4x4s, while the infamous Hard Way is serious buggy territory where broken driveline components and rollovers are not unheard of.
Can Opener attracts built rigs to its gatekeeper boulders, steep climb, and namesake rock obstacle. It is as much a place to watch serious rock crawling as it is a trail to drive.
Archers Firebreak is a collection of interconnected trails along Archers Ridge, combining easier 4x4 travel with mud, ruts, forest driving, and impressive views across the Jordan Creek drainage.
Camping makes Tillamook particularly well-suited to a weekend trip. Browns Camp offers OHV-focused camping with direct trail access, while dispersed and designated camping opportunities are also available throughout the forest. Check current trail, fire, and seasonal restrictions before heading out.
Cedar Tree is an aptly named trail deep in the Tillamook State Forest, where the highlight is a huge fallen cedar trunk that vehicles used to be able to drive under. The iconic fallen cedar tree at Waypoint 7 is a favorite place for photographs of 4x4 rigs. The trail wanders through the forest's prettiest and most exciting sections along the cedar tree. A significant, deep depression is often filled with water and makes for an exciting challenge to cross. An ancient tree stump hides a shelf that can catch the unsuspecting driver by surprise. Cedar Tree is one of the highlights of Tillamook State Forest and should be one of your must-do trails while visiting the park.
Firebreak Five is a trail that can go from mild to wild depending on conditions. In dry summer weather, most vehicles can navigate the entire trail by taking the easiest lines and combining good spotting and good driving. In the soggy winter months, certain sections of the trail, such as Waypoint 4, can become incredibly difficult or even impassable for all but trucks rolling on sticky tires, with front and rear lockers, or with little regard for possible drive-train damage. The changing conditions and challenges that voyagers along Firebreak Five face are all part of the adventure. Firebreak Five also has the distinction of being a "Jeep Badge of Honor." For those looking for a big challenge, there is an optional rock garden, and there are very difficult lines to take on the obstacles that will challenge even the most built rigs.
Powerline #4D combines some interesting, tight segments of trail through the forest with a stretch of gravel access road as it follows the high tension power lines toward the coast. A fun and challenging optional section is available for those who want to attempt a reasonably difficult stretch of trail with few significant risks. There are good views near Waypoint 4 looking back to the east along the power lines.
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