Campfire
This Labor Day weekend, we're fortunate to have beautiful sunny weather for camping and other outdoor activities. However, we are still experiencing dry conditions, leading to fire restrictions across much of the state.
A simple yet crucial way to protect our forests from wildfires is to manage campfires responsibly. If campfires are permitted, ensure that your campfire is completely put out before leaving. This can be done by drowning it with water, stirring the remains with a shovel, and repeating until it's cool to the touch. Remember, if it's still warm, there could be embers capable of reigniting. Thank you for helping to keep your favorite places safe from fire!
ROOTS Exhibit Opening | Meet the Story Keepers
Please consider yourself invited to join Chad Brown, exhibit Creative Director, BIPOC outdoor recreation leader Pam Slaughter of PDX People of Color Outdoors, and Brian Chou for a discussion on their experiences and the creation of the ROOTS exhibit hosted this summer from June 15 - September 15, 2024 at the Tillamook Forest Center. Please arrive early to view the exhibit prior to the discussion.
If you aren't able to join us in person, we will also be live streaming the discussion. The discussion and live stream will start at 1 pm.
This exhibit was made possible with financial support from the State Forests Trust of Oregon.
ROOTS Exhibit | June 15 - September 15 | Tillamook Forest Center
Black, Indigenous, and people of color have enjoyed outdoor recreation throughout the history of the United States and the creation of the National Parks, and before colonization amongst Indigenous groups native to this continent. And yes, this does not cancel the negative of history. We've been here! This information, however, should be considered and addressed when learning about the history of outdoor recreation in the United States and today's recreation amongst BIPOC communities who do recreate and find healing in the outdoors in their unique approach to green outdoor spaces. The ROOTS exhibit focuses on past and present outdoor recreationists who find joy, like BIPOC folks who have accomplished milestones in pursuing the outdoor recreationist community. Their stories deserve more recognition and exposure. ~Chad Brown 12/12/23
Don't miss the ROOTS exhibit this summer at the Tillamook Forest Center!
To experience Chad’s award-winning and life-changing creative works, please visit https://chadocreative.com/about/.
ROOTS - Trailer
ROOTS Exhibit Opening | Meet the Story Keepers | June 15, 2024 from 1 – 2 pm.
Please consider yourself invited to join Chad Brown, exhibit Creative Director, BIPOC outdoor recreation leader Pam Slaughter of PDX People of Color Outdoors, and Brian Chou for a discussion on their experiences and the creation of the ROOTS exhibit hosted this summer from June 15 - September 15, 2024 at the Tillamook Forest Center. Please arrive early to view the exhibit prior to the discussion.
This exhibit was made possible with financial support from the State Forests Trust of Oregon.
To experience Chad’s award-winning and life-changing creative works, please visit https://chadocreative.com/about/.
Steelhead Alevin Update
Our eggs have hatched! They are on track to be released on Mother's Day weekend!
Steelhead spawn from December through April; laying anywhere between 500 and 1,300 eggs per redd or about 4,000 per season!
What makes them different than other salmon species? 🐟 Steelhead don’t die after spawning! Every year the steelhead migrates from the ocean to the spawning grounds and then returns to the ocean. These incredible creatures can live anywhere between 4 to 6 years, but some have been known to live as long as 11 years of age! They can also weigh up to 55 pounds!
What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled?
Steelhead Eggs Spring 2024
Spring has arrived and so have the Steelhead eggs at the Tillamook Forest Center! Join us and watch them grow through the upcoming weeks from eggs to fry! 🐟
Did you know that Steelheads and Rainbow trout are the same species? Both are part of the salmon family, but the difference between them is their looks and lifestyles! Rainbow trout generally tend to stay in freshwater streams and rivers while Steelheads will move back and forth from the sea to the spawning grounds. This makes them an ‘anadromous’ species; meaning that they spend part of their lives in the sea before returning to the river where they were born. Some steelheads will travel 500 miles to reach their destination!
“A river is a river, always there, and yet the water flowing through is never the same water and is never still. It’s always changing and is always on the move” – Aidan Chambers
The Wilson River is ever changing and surprises many with its power every year. Winter is our rainy season and when the Wilson River changes the most. The power of the river rages all winter long while it erodes riverbanks and creates others. As the rain slows down, so does the river and soon the forest will adjust to the river’s slightly new route.
What changes have you seen in a river near you?
Wilson River - Pineapple Express 2023
All aboard to the... pineapple express? 🍍🚂
A pineapple express is an atmospheric river that originates near Hawaii thus bringing warmer than normal temperatures due to the storm's initial warm blast.
This storm is also bringing lots of rain! Our rain gauge at TFC measured 5.76 in. this morning with more coming throughout the day. The Wilson River was measured at a high of 16.78' at 2 pm bringing moderate flood levels on the Highway 6 corridor.
Are you experiencing lots of rain in your area?
Chinook Update 3
The salmon are officially swimming! Join us next weekend, November 18th & 19th at 11 am, to release these fish into the river. There will be a program starting at the Forest Education Pavilion about the salmon life cycle then we will head over to Jones Creek to release the salmon.
Will you be joining us for the fish release?🐟🌲
Chinook Fry Update
Join us on November 18th and 19th to release these Chinook fry into the Wilson River! There will be a short program that explores the life cycles, habitat requirements, and the underwater oasis of these dynamic fish. After a short presentation, we will walk to Jones Creek and release the tiny fry that were raised in our visitor center. Hope to see you all there!
Chinook eggs have arrived at the Tillamook Forest Center! People have been asking all week about salmon spawning and their trips back up the river. What to you want to know about Chinook salmon?
Check back for updates on the salmon and we will answer your questions! #chinook #salmon #tillamook #tillamookforestcenter
Who's that Bird: Revealed
Do you like to float down the river on a tube? This little bird is skilled at holding tight and avoids getting swept away by the strong flowing water. The American Dipper (a.k.a. water ouzel) is common throughout the Tillamook State Forest, thanks to the clean rivers and streams which it relies on.
Next time you head out to the river, search for the bobbing gray bird on the rocks. Have you seen an American Dipper before?
Video: A small gray American Dipper dives below the surface of a shallow pond several times. #recreation #nature #birdwatching #forest #birds
As aerial firefighting was underway on the Cedar Butte Fire, we saw this helicopter passed over the Tillamook Forest Center many times on Wednesday. It flew over the Lookout Tower in this epic video clip.
From the Archives - Thanksgiving
From the Archives - Wreath Making
Trivia Tuesday #8 – Name that bird Answer
From the Archives - TFC Memories III
Elk Mt. hike during Covid-19
