Summary:
This trail is perfect for both dogs and humans alike, offering a scenic, accessible route through diverse landscapes with minimal mud. Padme, who loves new places to explore, enjoyed being off leash, splashing in the creeks, and running wild along the bay. For me, the educational signs and the unexpected beauty of the bay at the turnaround point made the hike a delightful and refreshing escape from the usual routine.
Grade:
| Padme’s Paws | (Out of 4) |  |
| My Grade | (A to F) | A |
Trail Stats
- Trail: Kilchis Point Reserve Trail
- Location: Kilchis Point Reserve
- Distance: 2.1 miles (AllTrails.com)
- Difficulty: Easy
- ADA Accessible: Yes! Until you get to the beach, then no
Directions
Parking – Easy with a side of Potholes
Parking at this hike is incredibly easy. The navigation took me straight to the parking lot, which is split into two sections. The first section has a park host and restrooms, while the second section has the trailhead.
In between the sections are a few backyard-pond-sized potholes that are easy enough to drive through if you take it slow. I didn’t see a way around them, so I just tried to get as much to the side as possible.
I worried that my small car with average clearance might not have made it through the middle of the potholes without getting stuck. However, I made it through just fine, and if you’re concerned, you can always park in the first section of the lot to avoid them altogether.
Great news: parking is free!
Why It’s Good for Padme
Padme loved this trail. She enjoys exploring new trails because there are always new things to sniff, and on this one, she got to be off-leash. There are signs saying something like “let your dogs run and play,” but no signs that I saw indicating that dogs must be on a leash. So, she was off-leash and had a blast running around.
The trail itself is meant to be ADA-compliant, though the reserve can be thick with vegetation or sparsely dotted with trees. There were plenty of logs to jump over, and one side of the trail was always fairly close to a creek feeding into Tillamook Bay.
The water in the creeks was high, and Padme decided to take a dip. She misjudged the drop and ended up swimming more than she expected, but she’s a good swimmer, and I was right there if she needed help. She even climbed up onto the bridge over the creek and looked like she was about to jump in the same deep area, but I gave her a firm “leave it.” She’s got a sense of humor and an adventurous spirit, but I’d rather not have to go in after her!
Once we reached the bay, she was in the water in a flash. She likes to bite at the water to drink while looking for sticks, and of course, she got the zoomies on the beach. Her zooms were epic that day, and I was just happy to see her so thrilled.
Why It’s Good for Me
It takes a lot for me to get up and get moving some mornings. I sometimes just want to stay in bed and be luxuriously lazy, but I know if I do, I won’t feel as good during the week—and neither will Padme. She gets so much out of these hikes, and we have so much fun together. So, I pushed myself to find a trail! My main priority for the day was as little mud as possible. In January in Oregon… that’s asking for a lot. But this trail was perfect—there was standing water, but no real mud.
I’m also used to driving for hikes with Padme. A friend of mine often suggests in-town trails, but I just don’t want to risk running into too many other dogs and stressing Padme (or myself) out. Tillamook is a great place to visit, though! There’s plenty to do if you like to shop or eat, and the people are amazing.
What I didn’t expect was how many educational opportunities the trail offered. There were cute signs about the local flora and the types of birds to watch for. This trail is great for families, people with ability issues, or nerds like me.
What I think I loved the most about this trail was the turnaround point—the bay. I travel to Tillamook frequently for work, and one of my colleagues always jokes that it’s a coastal town with no coast. When he asks if I went to the beach in Tillamook, I’ve never really looked for it. I knew where the trail was and that it was probably mud-free, but I didn’t check the map much beyond that.
When I got to the turnaround point and saw the water, I laughed out loud. There it was—the water! It might not have been a typical beach, but who cares? The bay was beautiful, and I wasn’t expecting such a lovely surprise.
Wrap Up:
Overall, this trail offers a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and accessibility, making it a fantastic choice for both pups and their owners. Whether you’re looking to explore new terrain, enjoy some quiet time by the water, or just let your dog run free, this hike delivers. It’s a perfect getaway for a refreshing outdoor experience with a little surprise at the end—Tillamook Bay.
Get out there and take your dog on a hike!