Hoquarton Interpretive Trail

The Hoquarton Interpretive Park and Trail is a community-driven project designed to tell the story of a place that has served Tillamook's inhabitatants for centuries.

The Trail's Origins

The Hoquarton Slough once provided the coastal native tribes a vital access to inland hunting and gathering sites. In the late 1800's the European settlers used the Hoquarton - meaning "landing" - for commercial trade and the site of their new town named Tillamook. Until 1911, when the railroad came into Tillamook, the slough was the principal connection to "the outside." The Coats Lumber Company was eventually located along the slough. Through the mid 20th century, logs from the famous Tillamook Burn were milled here. Today's view docks are placed above the mill foundations and interpretive signs tell the stories of those who once left footprints at the site.

To request a copy of the Hoquarton Interpretive Trail Plan, please email Julie Chick.

The Trail Committee's Goals

The Trail Committee has a range of goals for the Project including:

• Conservation and enhancement of critical habitats found in and around the Hoquarton Slough ecosystem;
• Development of a regional comprehensive transportation plan that incorporates alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles;
• Education of residents and visitors regarding the impacts of development and the importance of biodiversity, riparian habitats, and water quality;
• Creation of a valuable recreation opportunity for all citizens;
• Protection of cultural and historic resources, as well as the education of community members and visitors; and
• Economic and community development through outdoor recreation and resource conservation.

Phase One

Phase I of the project was envisioned, designed and financed through combined efforts of citizens, governments, and agencies, under the guidance of TEP. It consists of a 1000-foot strip of land bordering the south bank of the Hoquarton Slough. This has become Tillamook's newest city park. The paved interpretive trail, view docks, benches and interpretive signs have fulfilled one of the goals of Tillamook's 1990 visioning project.

Phase Two

Aerial View of Hoquarton Slough in Downtown Tillamook

Phase II, directly north of the slough, is a 20 acre parcel already owned by the city. It includes a forested wetland that has been identified in the 1999 Tillamook Riparian Inventory as "the least disturbed, highest functioning riparian resource in Tillamook." Visions for this area include pedestrian access by bridge and elevated walkways, outdoor classroom sites, and coordination with flood mitigation efforts. Preliminary site work is now under way.

How Can I Get Involved?

The public is encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. For more information, please contact Claudine Rehn at 503-322-2222, or you can reach her by email.