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Rivers, Inland Valleys & Canyons

Nehalem River/Valley Miami River/Valley Salmonberry River/Canyon Rivers Map

Inland Valleys, Rivers & Canyon

Nehalem River & Nehalem Valley
The Nehalem River flows from the Coast Range down through northern Tillamook County, past the villages of Nehalem and Wheeler. It empties into Nehalem Bay and finally into the Pacific Ocean north of Rockaway Beach.

The Nehalem RiverThe river is popular for salmon fishing and kayaking. There is a boat launch at the east end of the bridge between Nehalem and Wheeler, just off Highway 101. Another boat ramp is located at Wheeler Waterfront Park. Boats have been using the river since the beginning - from Native Americans in canoes to the mail boat which served the area in the 1870s.

The North Fork of the Nehalem offers many places where you can get down to the river for a picnic or a swim - bring your dog. (Please don't swim if the river is rushing and their are rapids.) Take Hwy 53 east from Hwy. 101 and turn right on Miami-Foley Road. Turn left on Foss Road and follow the road as it crosses the river and you begin to climb. Shortly after the turn-off, you'll see Roy Creek Park on your right.

Lower Nehalem ValleyThe Nehalem Valley, rimmed by the mountains of the Coast Range (Onion Peak and Saddle Mountain are a stunning backdrop) is a dairy valley providing milk to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. The Lower Nehalem Valley borders on the estuary and Nehalem Bay.

55 acres of the lower valley (known as Alder Creek Farm) were recently purchased by the Lower Nehalem Community Trust. It is one of the few remaining large, open greenspaces in our area, and the trust wishes to return the lower end of the farm to salt marsh and create freshwater wetlands for migrating birds. Habitat for coho and chum salmon is also a high priority, and portions of the property will maintain a corridor that gives the elk herd access to their nearby calving area in the estuary.

Nehalem River (near Foss) Stage/Flood Information:

http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/graphics/gifs/fsso.gif
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Portland/public_hydro/gifs/FSSO3RP.gif

Miami River Valley


Miami River & Miami River Valley
The Miami River is only 14 miles long and flows into Tillamook Bay east of Garibaldi. The Miami River Valley is a great place for an idyllic bicycle or auto ride. From Hwy. 101 on the coast, take Hwy. 53 (between Nehalem and Wheeler) east past the Nehalem Bay Winery and Mohler Coop, and turn left onto Foley Creek Road just after crossing the bridge over the river. Foss Creek Road follows Foss Creek and becomes Miami-Foley Road where Foley Creek joins the Miami River. The road meets Hwy. 101 again just south of Garibaldi. The Miami River Valley is home to dairy farms, horse ranches and small logging operations.

Salmonberry River
Salmonberry River and
Salmonberry Canyon
The Salmonberry River, a tributary of the Nehalem River, is known as one of the Pacific Northwest’s best wild steelhead rivers. Fisherpersons brave the river's frigid water to fish for the large, chrome-colored fish in winter (February and March). Steelhead leaping the North Fork falls as they return to spawn are a site to see.

Salmonberry Canyon during fall
The river is also the site of an occasional kayak or raft run by experienced river runners, but it is not recommended for beginners. Although there are stretches that are only Class 1, it is unexpectedly coming upon the big Class 5 "Hydraulic" that presents a serious challenge. This river is accessible on foot or by train only, so start early and be prepared to hike in with your fishing equipment, kayak or raft. Note that the Salmonberry is fed by rainfall only and is not a deep river.


Port of Tillamook Bay Oregon Coast ExplorerThe Salmonberry River, in the Salmonberry Canyon, meanders through parts of the 60,000 acre roadless Tillamook State Forest in Oregon's lush and rugged Coastal Range. If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty of this area (often closed to all but train access during summer due to fire danger), consider a day trip on the Port of Tillamook Bay's Oregon Coast Explorer.

The train departs from Wheeler (and occasionally from Tillamook, Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach). It follows the Nehalem River to where it meets the Salmonberry and into the canyon to the summit of the Coast Range. Along the way, you will go over bridges and trestles and through tunnels, traversing 15 miles of the scenic Salmonberry River Canyon. The "Fall Foliage Runs are a visual treat, and the train includes an open-air car for optimal viewing. The red, yellow and orange fall colors can make the canyon appear "on fire."

River Map