• Smith Homestead and Jones Creek offer river access, swimming, fishing, and picnicking
Smith Homestead and Jones Creek Day-Use Areas are popular recreation sites along the Wilson River in Oregon's Tillamook State Forest.
Covering approximately 364,000 acres in the Oregon Coast Range, Tillamook State Forest is the largest state forest in Oregon.
The forest offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
While traveling along the Wilson River, consider stopping at the Tillamook Forest Center to learn about the forest's unique plants, wildlife, and history, including the remarkable recovery following the Tillamook Burn—a series of devastating wildfires that occurred between 1933 and 1951.
The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, educational programs, guided activities, and seasonal events.
Smith Homestead
Located on the southern bank of the Wilson River, Smith Homestead is a historic site with a fascinating past.
In 1886, early settlers Walter and Alice Smith established one of the first homesteads in this area. Today, the property is preserved as the Smith Homestead Day-Use Area.
The site provides easy river access and includes picnic tables, restrooms, and a large reservable shelter for group gatherings and educational programs.
Jones Creek Day-Use Area is located on the opposite side of the river, about 0.5 miles from Smith Homestead.
Wilson River Swimming Holes
The Wilson River is a popular summer destination for swimming in Oregon's Coast Range, offering a combination of shallow wading areas and deeper swimming holes.
Shallow areas are ideal for children and casual wading, while deeper pools provide opportunities for stronger swimmers. Like many coastal rivers, the Wilson River generally warms faster during summer than rivers in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, making it one of the more comfortable rivers for swimming.
In addition to Smith Homestead, popular swimming locations include Jones Creek Day-Use Area, Wilson River Footbridge,, Wilson River at Keenig Creek, and Mills Bridge Boat Launch.
🟡 Slippery rocks, swift currents, and cliff or bridge jumping can be hazardous. Always use caution and make safe decisions around the river.
Tillamook Forest Hiking
Smith Homestead and Jones Creek provide convenient access to hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
The Wilson River Trail is a moderately difficult trail stretching approximately 21 miles between the Elk Creek and Keenig Creek trailheads through the Tillamook State Forest.
The trail can be accessed from several locations along Wilson River Road, including the Jones Creek Day-Use Area, where trail signage is available.
The Wilson River Footbridge Day-Use Area is another popular access point, offering a scenic section of trail that follows the river corridor.
Longer hikes toward Elk Creek Trailhead are possible from several trail access points along Wilson River Road.
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Smith Homestead and Jones Creek Camping & Lodging
Jones Creek Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest.
It offers 42 first-come, first-served campsites and one reservable group campsite.
The Wilson River Trail passes through the campground and provides convenient access to swimming areas at Jones Creek Day-Use Area, Smith Homestead, and the Tillamook Forest Center.
For visitors seeking indoor accommodations, a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are available in the city of Tillamook, about 22 miles west.
Smith Homestead Day-Use | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon Department of Forestry
Amenities: Toilet, garbage service, picnic sites, picnic shelter, drinking water
Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 400 ft (122 m)
Smith Homestead is located:
- 22.3 miles northeast of Tillamook
- 51 miles west of Portland
- 90 miles northwest of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to Moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: River rocks and rock formations
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Smith Homestead
From Tillamook,
- Travel 22.3 miles northeast on Highway OR-6 between milepost 22 and 23 to the Smith Homestead and Jones Creek Day-Use Areas.
From Portland,
- Drive on US 26 west to Highway OR-6
- Bear slight left onto OR-6 towards Banks or Tillamook
- Continue 28.9 miles on OR-6 to the destination on the right between milepost 22 and 23.
Phone: 866-930-4646