• Wilson River Footbridge is an excellent swimming holes
• Features shallow and deep pools, rapids, waterfall, and footbridge
If the idea of dealing with blustering crowds on a hot summer day sucks every last bit of energy out of you, the Wilson River in the Tillamook National Forest including the Footbridge area would prove to be the best swimming hole for you. The serenity of the Wilson River Footbridge will release every bit of tension you are holding on to.
It would not be an exaggeration to state that this might be the most inviting and the calmest stretch of slow-moving water that you will find in the entire Pacific Northwest. The beach is made of river rocks and is not sandy which may be a turn-off for some, but the large rocks are equally comfortable to relax and enjoy the sun.
Swimming
This spot features much deeper pools near the cliffs and under a footbridge. Also, there are shallow places for wading and kids splashing. Rapids are used for tubing and cliffs are popular for jumping. Do not jump from the footbridge. The level of water underneath the bridge varies and bridge jumping can be extremely dangerous.
There are other excellent swimming spots along the Wilson River:
Wilson River at Keenig Creek
Wilson River Smith Homestead
Cautions: Cliff and bridge jumping, slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions.
Hiking
Wilson River Trail is a 21-mile moderate scenic trail extending from Elk Creek to Keenig Creek Trailheads. This trail can be accessed from different points including the Footbridge Trailhead.
The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the river. Park your car at the day-use parking area, cross the footbridge, and hike 0.3 miles to a junction with the Wilson River Trail. The route on the left is the 6.1-mile moderate trail for hikers and mountain bikers to Keenig Creek. For Jones Creek and Smith Homestead Day-Use Areas, take a right at the junction and hike 3.5 miles.
Camping & Accomodations
Keenig Creek Campground is a primitive 12 walk-in sites, 1.1 miles away from the Footbridge.
The largest in the Tillamook State Forest, Jones Creek Campground with 42 first-come-first-served campsites and 1 reservable group site is located 3 miles away.
Lodging in Tillamook, 20 miles away.
Video
Footbridge Day-Use | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon Department of Forestry
Location: Tillamook State Forest
Amenities: Toilet, garbage service, picnic sites, drinking water at Tillamook Forest Center
Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Popularity: Moderate
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 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