Munson Creek Falls State Park — Attraction in Tillamook

Munson Falls State park is a beautuful little park not to far outside of Tillamook. The parking lot is more of a turn around with wooden fence railing seperating the parking lot from Munson creek. There is a little picnic area with two picnic tables but only one stand alone grill for cooking. There are multiple access area to the creek, which is rather shallow and no more then 10 feet across. The trail itself is only about a quarter mile long and for most of it's lenght is relatively flat. At least til the end, where there are wooden steps next to some bedrock. The section is fairly steep but it only raises up maybe 30 feet if that. At the top you get your first glimps of the falls. As you walk a bit further, you get a better view until you reach the end of the trail as the sign says the trail is closed. Lucky for me my dog can't read english, ignored it and kept going. She later told me the trail goes about 100 yrds further, where it heads to the left a tiny bit through some undergrowth. A bit past that the trail gets a tad bit rocky and wet as it had recently rained in the area, and we were in a coastal rain forest, mostly second growth. At the end of that section she told me it was mostly downed trees and snags, with a few glimpses of the falls. Once she reported back as to what she saw we headed back the way we came. It seems that the area has a lot of hydrolic activity as some of the trees roots were exposed and their was fenced rocks to keep the trail from disappearing. The walk was short but pretty and with the water running next to it, it made it relaxing. I noticed about 7 different edible plants as well as a fern that can by used for tea, and a medicinal plant that can take away the effects of stinging nettle, mosquito bites, and other skin irritants. All and all it was a short pretty walk, and a place I can see us returning to again. There are no bathrooms, nor garbage cans. Despite this there was no litter, so please practice no trace walking. Be...

After hiking only 1/4 mile along Munson Creek, you arrive at a place to see the waterfall, still at a distance. The trail ends at a large log jam, but you get a good view of this tall waterfall. We went on January 31, and there was ice on the sides of the fall and here and there along the sides of the trail. The path is well maintained and quite close to the creek.

The road to the trailhead has potholes, and Google seemed to be taking us to the top of the falls at the east end of the park in a long circuitous route. Maybe there is another trailhead up there. But on that pitted road we wanted the shortest route. You can use Google to show you where Munson road is, and that’s where you turn East from Hwy 101. Then, follow the signs for the Oregon State Natural Site. Just as you near the State Natural Site (green area on Google maps) there is a Y in the road, and Google says to keep left to drive around the park, but a sign points right to get to the site. Follow that sign to the right.

The hike was lovely; I only wish it...

Decent short mile and half drive in from highway, some pot holes and standing water. Small parking lot open to about a dozen cars, no fees charged for entrance, clearly marked signs and path to falls. Was an elderly man with a cane who hiked the quarter mile or so path. Small stream runs along most the path. Three quarters up path one can first view the very tall water fall. There are several vantage points along the path with the final one at a post across the path that reads trail closed. One can see the path continuing but it narrows and gets tougher. The falls are fairly narrow and not a high water capacity. They are moderately heard and not felt at all as the closed path is still probably a half mile to actual falls. A 30 min max adventure. Worth the quick...