Keenig Creek – Wilson River

• A wide stretch of the Wilson River at Keening Creek Campground
• Secluded swimming holes with swimming, jumping off rock swings, and fishing opportunities



Located along a wide stretch of the Wilson River, the Keenig Creek Area is an excellent scenic spot to cool off and get more enjoyment out of the summer season without big crowds. Below the bridge in the rocky river canyon, is a large and deep pool with dark emerald-colored water. A short trail on the east side of the bridge brings you to the river bank. The prominent rock outcropping along the river bank is used for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. Also, there is a trail down to the river on the west side of the bridge.

Swimming

A rope swing is tied to the bridge bottom. A huge rock over 20-foot in height under the bridge is used as a platform to swing before launching into the water. Some extreme adventure seekers jump off the bridge. It is not recommended to jump from the bridge. The water level underneath the bridge varies and bridge jumping is extremely dangerous.

There are other excellent swimming spots along the Wilson River:

Wilson River Footbridge
Wilson River Smith Homestead

Cautions: Cliff and bridge jumping, slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions.



Keenig Creek – Wilson River

Keenig Creek – Wilson River

Keenig Creek – Wilson River

Keenig Creek – Wilson River

Hiking

Wilson River Trail is a 21-mile scenic route extending from Keenig Creek to Elk Creek Trailheads. The trail can be accessed from different points including the Keenig Creek Trailhead.

The trailhead is located at the campground on Muesial Creek Road, 0.2 miles west of Cedar Butte Road. The trail is located on the right. The distance to Footbridge is 6.1 miles and 9.5 miles to Jones Creek. The moderate difficulty trail is designated for hikers and mountain bikers.

Camping & Accomodations

Approximately 0.4 miles further along Wolf Creek Road at Keenig Creek, there is a rustic Keenig Creek campground. The campground has 12 walk-in tent sites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. Two picnic sites for day visitors and a trailhead of the Wilson River Trail are located near the Keenig Creek Campground.

The largest in the Tillamook State Forest, Jones Creek Campground with 42 first-come-first-served campsites and 1 reservable group site is located 5 miles away.

Lodging in Tillamook, 18 miles away.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay.



Video

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
Oregon.gov

GPS: N 45°32.750' W 123°36.400' | 45.5458, -123.6067



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