Big Birding Tour of Tillamook Bay

***SEE DRIVING DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM***

The name "Tillamook" is a Coast Salish word meaning "Land of Many Waters." It's also a land of many birds with over 356 recorded species on the county checklist.

In 20 years, I've covered just about every inch of the bay that the public can access--beaches, docks, jetties, rivers, marinas, points, forests, lakes, bars, and sloughs. Some spots are better than others and some are nearly invisible to the average tourist. I'll take you on a grand tour of my 8 favorites and tell you about half a dozen others.

We'll meet at the parking pullout for the Captain Robert Gray Historical Marker off Hwy 101 near Garibaldi (see directions below) and carpool from there to save on parking passes. We'll head north first to begin at the jetty and then wrap all the way around the bay to Cape Meares in the south. We won't explore the entirety of the areas listed below, this is more of a sampler tour so you know where to return in the future. We will spend the most time at the ones in bold.

North Jetty at Barview Jetty County Campground (restroom)
The Three Graces and Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
The Crabbing Dock (restroom)
Garibaldi Marina and hidden beach (restroom)
Hobsonville Point and the Ghost Hole
Goodspeed Road
Tillamook Tidewater Handicap Fishing Access for lunch on the dock (restroom)
Bayocean Dike Road and Cape Meares Lake (restroom)

We will be walking very slowly for very short distances (maybe a mile total for the day) on flat gravel, pavement, and dirt. The jetty is quite rocky and trekking poles are handy. The bugs are out, so insect repellent is recommended if you are delicious. Many of the locations are fully exposed to sun and wind, necessitating layers and a good sun hat.

Bring 10$ cash, water, binoculars/scope, camera, bug spray, trekking poles, beverages/lunch, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. Restrooms at various sites. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.

***DRIVING DIRECTIONS***
Find the Pirate's Cove Restaurant (14170 Highway 101 Ave N, Garibaldi, OR 97118) in Garibaldi and go about 200 feet past it to the west. Pull into the paved parking area for the Captain Robert Gray Historical Marker. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV.