• Wilson River Footbridge features crystal-clear water, gentle currents, and a scenic footbridge
The Wilson River Footbridge in Oregon's Tillamook State Forest is a refreshing summer destination with clear water, scenic views, and easy river access.
Surrounded by towering evergreens and the soothing sounds of the river, this scenic spot is the perfect place to unwind, cool off, and leave everyday stress behind.
The Footbridge is one of the most inviting and tranquil stretches of the Wilson River. It's crystal-clear, slow-moving water is ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Although the shoreline is covered with smooth river rocks rather than sand, the larger rocks provide comfortable places to stretch out, soak up the sun, and enjoy the scenery.
Swimming
The deep pools near the cliffs and under footbridge are great for swimming and shallow areas are excellent for wading and families with children.
Gentle rapids nearby offer fun tubing opportunities, and some visitors try cliff jumping.
There are other excellent swimming spots along the Wilson River:
🟡 Cliff and bridge jumping, slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions.
🔴 Do not jump from the footbridge. Water depth beneath the bridge changes throughout the year, making bridge jumping extremely dangerous.
Hiking
The 21-mile Wilson River Trail is a scenic, moderately difficult route that stretches from Elk Creek to the Keenig Creek Trailhead.
The Footbridge Trailhead provides convenient access to this popular hiking and mountain biking trail.
Park at the day-use area, cross the footbridge, and hike about 0.3 miles to the trail junction. Turn left to follow the 6.1-mile moderate trail to Keenig Creek. Turn right to reach Jones Creek and Smith Homestead Day-Use Areas, approximately 3.5 miles from the junction.
Wilson River Camping & Lodging
Keenig Creek Campground offers 12 primitive walk-in campsites just 1.1 miles from the Footbridge.
About 3 miles away, Jones Creek Campground is the largest campground in the Tillamook State Forest, featuring 42 first-come, first-served campsites and one reservable group site.
If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging options are available in Tillamook, approximately 20 miles from the recreation area.
Video
Footbridge Day-Use | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon Department of Forestry
Location: Tillamook State Forest
Amenities: Vault toilet, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 400 ft (122 m)
Footbridge Day-Use Area is located:
- 19.6 miles northeast of Tillamook
- 53 miles west of Portland
- 92 miles northwest of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River, waterfalls
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Moderate to High
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: River rocks, rock formations, sand
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Wilson River Footbridge
From Tillamook,
- Travel 19.6 miles on Highway OR-6 northeast to milepost 20 at the Footbridge Day-Use Area (on your left).
From Portland,
- Drive on US 26 west to Highway OR-6
- Bear slight left onto OR-6 towards Banks or Tillamook
- Continue 31.6 miles on OR-6 to the destination on the right.
Phone: 866-930-4646
Oregon State Forest