• Keenig Creek is a scenic destination with a deep swimming hole, forest trails, and riverside camping
Located along a wide stretch of the Wilson River, the Keenig Creek Area is a scenic place to cool off, swim, and enjoy a summer day.
Below the bridge, a large, deep pool with dark emerald-green water fills the rocky river canyon.
A short trail on the east side of the bridge leads to the riverbank, where a large rock outcrop is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. Another trail on the west side of the bridge also provides easy access to the river.
Swimming
The deep pool beneath the bridge is ideal for swimming.
A rope swing is occasionally attached beneath the bridge, and the large rock rising more than 20 feet above the water is often used as a platform before swinging into the pool.
Bridge jumping also occurs but is extremely dangerous.
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 trail that connects the Keenig Creek and Elk Creek trailheads.
It can be accessed from several locations, including the Keenig Creek Trailhead.
The trailhead is located near the campground on Muesial Creek Road, about 0.2 miles west of Cedar Butte Road.
The trail begins on the right side of the road. From here, it is 6.1 miles to the Footbridge Trailhead and 9.5 miles to Jones Creek. The trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers.
Keenig Creek Camping & Lodging
About 0.4 miles farther along Wolf Creek Road, Keenig Creek Campground offers 12 primitive walk-in campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. Two picnic sites and the Keenig Creek Trailhead provide convenient access for day visitors.
The largest campground in the Tillamook State Forest, Jones Creek Campground, is located about 3 miles away.
It features 42 first-come, first-served campsites and one reservable group site.
If you are seeking more comfortable accommodations, hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging options are available in Tillamook, approximately 20 miles from the recreation area.
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Keenig Creek | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon Department of Forestry
Location: Tillamook State Forest
Amenities: None
Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping, rope swinging, fishing, and hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Popularity: Moderate
Elevation: 400 ft (122 m)
Keenig Creek is located:
- 17.9 miles northeast of Tillamook
- 56 miles west of Portland
- 95 miles northwest of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light
Depth: Deep
Beach: River rocks and rock formations
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Keenig Creek
From Portland,
- Drive on US 26 west to Highway OR 6
- Bear slight left onto OR 6 towards Banks or Tillamook and continue 33.8 miles on OR 6 to Cedar Butte Road (milepost 18)
- Turn right onto Cedar Butte Road, cross the bridge, and park your car after the bridge.
For Keenig Creek Campground, after crossing the bridge, turn onto Muesial Creek Roads, and drive 0.4 miles to the campground.
Phone: 866-930-4646