Birding Locations - Outer Coast

 We are working on adding additional Birding Sites to our website.  In the meantime, do you have a favorite birding spot or birding tips for specific spots in Tillamook County? Please tell us about it, we'd love to include it!
​Check local specific information regarding any closures or special restrictions.
Have you ever considered birding Tillamook County by Paddle Board or Kayak? Local birder Cliff Cordy has and has prepared a guide for those similarly inclined. Check it out here.
Located on the north coast of Tillamook County, the 2,484 park offers miles of trails through old growth forest, to the beach and two headlands: Cape Falcon for seawatches, and Neah-kah-nie Mountain. Day use fee.

Bird Observations (eBird)
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Oswald West SP
Also see Oswald West-Smuggler's Cove

Additional information
Picture
Sanderling -- Photo: Jack Booth
Conditions (also see our "Conditions" page)
Cape Meares is south of Tillamook along the Three Capes Scenic route. With both a State Park and a National Wildlife Reserve, it has trails through old growth timber as well as vistas for seawatches.
  • A pair of Peregrine Falcons nest at the cape.  Docents and/or rangers often onsite to point out current sightings (see Lighthouse link below)
  • Winter, Varied and Hermit Thrush are easy to spot along the path to the lighthouse

Bird Observations (eBird)
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Cape Meares Lighthouse,
 Cape Meares SP, and Cape Meares NWR

Additional information
Picture
Resident Peregrine -- Photo: Rhett Wilkins
Conditions (also see our "Conditions" page)
PictureBald Eagle imm -- Photo: dawn villaescusa
Short Beach is located along the Three Capes Scenic route between Oceanside and Cape Meares. Fresh water flows to the ocean here, making it popular for many coastal birds. A steep trail leads down to the beach. 
  • Pullouts on both sides of highway for parking
  • Winter, large numbers of Black Oystercatchers gather on the beach. 
  • Look for Bald Eagles, Peregrines, and Red-tailed Hawks in the winter and early spring.

Additional information
Cape Lookout is located south of Netarts Bay along the Three Capes Scenic route. There are two main areas: a lower (north) area with hiking access to Netarts Bay spit and the beach; and an upper headland with several hiking trails. Day use fee
  • Walk the upper Cape Lookout trail to the point for spectacular seawatch views (moderately difficult) 
  • Lower Cape Lookout has camping and beach access; a walk around the parking lot often yields Wrentits

Bird Observations (eBird)
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Cape Lookout, Cape Lookout - Cape Trail, and Cape Lookout Day Use Area

Additional information
Picture
Wrentit -- Photo: Rhett Wilkins
Conditions (also see our "Conditions" page)
ADVISORY: Pacific City is a popular surfing/tourist location. Expect heavy traffic (foot and vehicle).
Cape Kiwanda is located in Pacific City and is famous for the fishing dories that launch through the surf. Haystack Rock hosts nesting Common Murre, Tufted Puffin, Black Oystercatchers and dozens of other species. Bob Straub Park covers nearly 500 acres of forest and sand dunes at the mouth of the Nestucca River.
  • In the spring, bring a scope to view species nesting on Haystack Rock.
  • Climb the dune, fall and spring, looking for shorebirds including Snowy Plover.
  • Horse trails wander through Straub park - walk the eastern trails to the river mouth, returning on the beach, about a 5 mile loop.

Bird Observations (eBird)
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Cape Kiwanda
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Bob Straub SP

Additional information
Picture
Monitoring Black Oystercatcher nests -- Photo: Linda Fink
Conditions (also see our "Conditions" page)
Cascade Head is located along the southern coast of Tillamook county.  It includes the Salmon River estuary (primarily in Lincoln County) and a huge headland covered with old growth timber and grassy meadows with spectacular views. Four trails of varying difficulty wind through the headlands.
  • Hart's Cove Trail is closed from December through mid-July (other trails are open)
  • There is a little talked-about inland trail (difficult) that passes through old growth Sitka Spruce

Bird Observations (eBird)
eBird "Hotspot Explorer" for Cascade Head

Additional information
Picture
Pacific Wren -- Photo: Jack Booth