Munson Creek Falls

About 7 miles south of downtown Tillamook Oregon, a small stream of water passes under HWY 101 named Munson Creek.  The stream isn't very impressive and doesn't fill your mind with wonder.  Another mile south of that crossing is the road to Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site. The Oregon State information site provides no photos and limited information about the site.

The road to Munson Creek starts as a rough paved road and turns into gravel.  The road isn't smooth but any passenger car without an air damn close to the ground should be able to negotiate the road with no concern.  There is a "Y" in the road before you reach the park.  Take the road to the right of the "Y".  The road narrows a bit in several places between trees allowing for only a single vehicle to pass.  At the end of the road is a parking/turnaround area next to Munson Creek.  To the right is a small picnic area with a couple of picnic tables and a barbecue you can use.  The day we arrive at the turnaround it was Early October and raining pretty hard.

Munson Creek Trail Head

The trail-head is nicely marked in the west end of the parking areas.  The trail surface was easy to walk.  A few elevation changes were slippery due to the rain runoff.  At the steepest parts of the trail stairs were carved and lined with timbers making it easy to climb.   Along the trail are several enormous cedar and sitka spruce trees.  The largest tree reminded me of the Klootchy Creek sitka spruce which cut down in 2007 after being struck by lightning and deemed a danger to visitors.   The view of the falls at the end of the trail is beautiful and unexpected.  The water crests the top of the hill and tumbles down into this special value of beautiful trees and foliage.   The final section of the trail is closed due to down trees.

End of Munson Creek Trail

Munson Creek Falls 

On this particular trip I didn't take my camera equipment.  The pictures I've referenced here from from other sites I found on the internet.  I will return to this place and take a series of photos to document what a small gem this place is.