The best road cycling routes in Tillamook State Forest

Henry Hagg Lake is surrounded by 2,500-acre Scoggins Valley Park, which has more than 14 miles of multi-use trails. But you might enjoy riding the road that wraps around the lake, swooping in and out of the trees as you play peekaboo with views of the water.

This recreation area just off the road has restrooms, potable water, picnic facilities, and a bike repair hub that includes basic tools, a workstation and a charger for small electronics. There's also a fishing pier, and you may see people using the boat ramp to launch motorized watercraft.

This little beach is a great spot to park your bike and enjoy a picnic. You'll find picnic tables, restrooms, loaner personal flotation devices, and a "bike hub" with basic tools and workstation for on-the-go maintenance needs.

The Nehalem River is a breathtaking waterway that boasts diverse wildlife, both on land and in the water, from majestic elk and black-tailed deer to playful river otters and busy beavers. Below the surface, the river is teeming with salmon and other fish. As you ride along, you might spot a northern spotted owl, an osprey, or even a golden eagle in the sky. In 2019, the river was designated a “State Scenic Waterway” to protect its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Symons State Scenic Viewpoint is the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking view of the Oregon coastline. From here, you can take in the stunning beauty of Oceanside, Maxwell Point, and the sandy shores below. The view to the south is equally impressive, with a sweeping panorama as far as the eye can see. If you look out to the north, you'll also catch a glimpse of Cape Lookout as it reaches far out into the ocean.

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is famous for its beautiful lighthouse, breathtaking ocean views, and a Sitka spruce tree that resembles an octopus. From the viewpoints in the park, there are opportunities to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises. The steep bluffs and offshore rocks are home to thousands of seabirds, and in the spring, you may be lucky enough to see peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs.

Old Cape Meares Loop is a beautiful stretch of road that runs through Oceanside and Netarts west of Tillamook. It is now open, nearly 11 years after a landslide wiped out a portion of this scenic route. The Tillamook County Road Department announced the reopening on Nov. 21, 2023, and the reopening allows easy access between Cape Meares and Cape Meares Beach, just to the north.

The Cape is an incredible natural wonder that is easily accessible by a short hike from the parking lot. The beautiful area surrounding the Cape has now been made into a state park, covering 2000 acres, and it even has a popular campground. The rugged rock formation juts out over a mile and a half into the majestic Pacific Ocean, where you can witness the sheer cliffs that plunge 400 feet into the sea.