Kilchis Point Reserve: A Wheelchair- Accessible Tillamook County Gem

Known for its delicious ice cream and cheese, Tillamook County is one of those Oregon areas that’s often skipped over by hurried travelers. They rush off to Portland or Vancouver, or linger along the scenic coast, and just zip right on by this beautiful Northwestern Oregon area. And although a stop at the Tillamook Creamery is a must for a tasty treat, the Kilchis Point Reserve (www.tcpm.org/kilchis-point-reserve.html) tops the list if you want to explore several wheelchair-accessible trails and enjoy some pristine coastal views. So next time you visit Tillamook County, slow down when you hit Bay City, and spend a few hours at this serene coastal retreat.

A Space for Everyone

Located just off Highway 101, Kilchis Point Reserve is easy find once you reach Bay City. Just head south on Warren Street off of Highway 101, then make a left on Spruce Road. Granted, it doesn’t look like much from the parking lot, but first impressions can sometimes be deceiving.

As far as access goes, there’s accessible parking near the entrance, and level access to the accessible restrooms and the Trailhead Loop. There’s also a nice shaded picnic area with an accessible picnic table off to the right near the restrooms. So pack along a lunch to enjoy before or after your hike.

The reserve is owned and maintained by the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, and it’s funded through donations, grants and membership dues. Wheelchair access is a top priority at Kilchis Point, because the powers that be want everybody to be able to enjoy this beautiful area. To that end, all of the trails within the reserve are wheelchair-accessible; so the only decisions that need to be made are how long you’d like to stay and how far you’d like to hike. Additionally, if any access obstacles pop up because of weather or other damage, they are well marked, so it’s easy to dodge them.

Folks who can’t manage the distance on the trails can also opt for a golf cart ride out to the ocean-view gazebo. Because of staffing issues advance notice is needed for this service, so please try to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Call (503) 842-4553 for more information.

Hit the Trails

The accessible trails begin in both parking areas on the Trailhead Loop. This .33-mile trail circles the entrance area and includes interpretive plaques about the natural history of the area. The level brick pathways are lined with native plants, and the trees provide a pleasant shaded canopy. The loop leads to the First Convening Circle, where it branches off into two different routes to the ocean overlook.

The Native American Trail (.18 miles) is on the left, while the longer Flora and Fauna Trail (.38 miles) is on the right. Both hard-packed dirt trails are nicely accessible, and they wind through the forest and over the wetlands. The wetland areas have boardwalks, and although the trails have a few dips, they are still well within ADAAG guidelines for accessible trails. Interpretive plaques line both trails, and every now and then there’s a bench to take a break.

Both trails end at the the Second Convening Circle, where the .5-mile Pioneer Path leads out to a viewpoint on Tillamook Bay. This trail is also hard-packed dirt and has a few ups and downs, but it’s still relatively level. Near the end there is a clearing which has a group of benches, so if you want to have lunch on the trail it’s a nice spot to stop.

The Caitlin Heusser Bird Watching Station sits at the end of the trail, and offers a commanding ocean view. This elevated gazebo has ramp access, and several benches inside. It’s a great spot to get a gander at the local avian life, so bring your binoculars. And if you want a closer look, there’s also level access over to a viewpoint on the side of the gazebo. Either way, it’s an excellent – and very accessible — spot for a beautiful ocean view.