Hoquarton Interpretive Trail
As early as 1997, the need for a trail along Tillamook’s Hoquarton Slough was identified by the Tillamook Vision Task Force, whose charge it was to devlop a long-range vision for the county.
Meanwhile, another group of citizens was discussing how to create a recreational trail system in Tillamook. The two groups came together in 2001 and began informally exchanging views. They called themselves the Trail Committee.
Thus began a multi-year process that led to the formation and development of a plan for the Hoquarton Interpretive Trail. The plan combines ideas and concepts developed by dozens of local citizens, elected officials and representatives of various governmental agencies and organizations, primarily the City of Tillamook and the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, with assistance from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program for the Pacific West Region based in Seattle, Wash.
The Hoquarton Slough once served as a water route to Tillamook for fishing boats entering the city from the Pacific Ocean. Before European settlement, the Tillamook Indian Tribe hunted and fished in and around the slough's rich natural environment. The Hoquarton Interpretive Trail is being built in a cooperative effort between the City, volunteers and a number of granting agencies.
Located along the banks of the slough in the heart of the downtown area just north of the bridge at 1st Street and Highway 101, the trail and park area has been cleared of invasive plants and restored to its natural vegetation. A parking area, viewing platform and trails have been built and a gleaming sculpture marks the entrance. When the project is complete, it will illustrate the history of the area while also providing a safe pedestrian and bike path.
The facility offers opportunities to enjoy nature during walks or paddling a kayak along the Hoquarton Slough, playing in the meadow, picnicking or just relaxing while reading a book or listening to the birds.
The park and interpretive trail are administered by a committee composed of volunteers who work with representatives of the City and the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, which manages the project’s finances.
The committee meets regularly at 3 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month in the Hoquarton House, 2210 First St. (next to the U.S. Post Office) in Tillamook. The public is invited to attend.
Monthly work parties are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers may work on park site planning and construction, riparian restoration and native planning projects, interpretive sign design and construction, historic home restoration and artifact display, grant writing and publicity. Birding expertise also is welcome.
Additional information may be obtained from:
- Hoquarton Interpretive Trail Committee, P.O. Box 493, Garibaldi, OR 97118; Phone: (503) 322—2222; Internet address: www.info@tbnep.org
- City of Tillamook, 210 Laurel Ave., Tillamook, OR 97141; Phone: (503) 842-2472
Or by calling:
- April Petersen (503) 842-5360
- Laurie Lamb (503) 842-4529 or
- Claudine Rehn (503) 322-2222
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