Hemlock, Tillamook County, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hemlock
|
|
|---|---|
 Hemlock
Location in Oregon
Hemlock
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Tillamook |
| Elevation | 210 ft (60 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1143472 |
Hemlock is a small, unincorporated community located in Tillamook County, Oregon, in the United States. It is not a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it is a collection of homes and businesses in a specific area. Hemlock is found along U.S. Route 101, which is a major highway. It is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of a place called Beaver. A stream named Beaver Creek, which flows into the Nestucca River, runs through the community.
Discovering Hemlock: A Small Oregon Community
Hemlock is a quiet spot in the beautiful state of Oregon. It's known for its natural surroundings and its connection to the tall trees that grow there. This community offers a glimpse into rural life in the Pacific Northwest.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Hemlock is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own official city government. This means it doesn't have a mayor or city council. Instead, the county government, which is Tillamook County in this case, handles services like roads and public safety for the area. Many small places in the United States are unincorporated communities.
Where is Hemlock Located?
Hemlock is situated in the western part of Oregon. It's part of Tillamook County, which is famous for its dairy farms and stunning coastline. The community sits near the Pacific Ocean, though it's not directly on the coast. It's nestled among the green hills of the Oregon Coast Range.
Traveling to Hemlock
You can find Hemlock by following U.S. Route 101. This highway stretches along the entire west coast of the United States. If you're driving north from the town of Beaver, Hemlock is just a short trip away. Its location makes it a peaceful stop for those exploring Oregon's natural beauty.
The Story Behind the Name: Hemlock Trees
The name "Hemlock" comes from a very common tree found in the area. The community was named after the western hemlock tree. These tall, graceful evergreen trees grow in large numbers throughout the Oregon Coast Range.
Western Hemlock Trees
Western hemlocks are important trees in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. They can grow very tall and are known for their drooping branches and short, flat needles. They are a key part of the local ecosystem, providing homes for wildlife and contributing to the lush green landscape. The abundance of these trees made "Hemlock" a fitting name for the community.
A Glimpse into Hemlock's Past
Like many small communities, Hemlock had a post office in its early days. A post office is where people send and receive mail. The Hemlock post office was open for about 15 years, from 1906 to 1921. This shows that Hemlock was a recognized place where people lived and needed mail services during that time.
The Role of a Post Office
In the past, before emails and cell phones, post offices were very important. They were often central gathering spots in small communities. People would visit the post office not just for mail, but also to catch up on local news. The closing of the Hemlock post office in 1921 might suggest changes in how people lived or how mail was delivered in the area.
Nature and Environment Around Hemlock
Hemlock is surrounded by the natural beauty of Oregon. The area is rich with forests, rivers, and wildlife.
Beaver Creek and the Nestucca River
Beaver Creek flows right through Hemlock. This creek is a tributary, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. Beaver Creek eventually joins the Nestucca River. The Nestucca River is well-known for its fishing, especially for salmon and steelhead. These waterways are vital for the local environment and provide habitats for many plants and animals.
The Oregon Coast Range
Hemlock is nestled within the Oregon Coast Range. This mountain range runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. It's covered in dense forests, including many western hemlock trees, as well as Douglas firs and Sitka spruces. The Coast Range is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. It's a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature.
