Elk Creek Campground Opens with Expanded Trailhead Parking

Trail enthusiasts pulling across the bridge from Elk Creek Campground into the trailhead parking area are sure to notice a few changes to the facility.  Over the winter, the Forest Grove Road Crew expanded parking for the popular jumping off spot that provides access to the Wilson River Trail, the Elk Creek Trail and the Elk Mountain Trail.

 

A short drive past the existing parking area will lead visitors to discover an additional 17 parking spaces.  The new lot is designed for head-in parking of single family vehicles.  A short trail provides a link between the old parking lot and the new parking lot creating easy access to all of the trail options available at the site.

As of May 27th, all of the Tillamook State Forest Campgrounds are open for the 2016 camping season.

MId-May Wildland Fires Act as Early Fire Safety Reminder

Last week, fire crews from the Forest Grove District of the Tillamook State Forest responded to two local wildland fires on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.  While neither was in the Tillamook State Forest, they are a good reminder that it's never too early to think about fire safety when you are gearing up to head out to the woods.

The Wanless White Fire started on May 13 in rural Yamhill County near McGuire Reservoir.  The fire burned 13 acres.



The Russell Creek Tree Fire started on May 14 near Cove Orchard as part of the spectacular lightning storm that passed through the area. Lightning made contact with a single large tree that had to be fallen so the fire could be extinguished.



For the most up to date fire reports from the Forest Grove District keep an eye on the FGD Fire Blog.

May Events at the Tillamook Forest Center

The arrival of May means summer is just around the corner.  However, you don't have to wait for summer to get in on the fun now.  Drop in at the Tillamook Forest Center to enjoy the events and activities that will be going on throughout the month of May.