Tillamook River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tillamook River |
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Lower Tillamook River at Oregon Route 131 bridge
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 Location of the mouth of the Tillamook River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Tillamook County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Northern Oregon Coast Range low coastal hills southwest of Tillamook 744 ft (227 m) 45°21′50″N 123°54′58″W / 45.36389°N 123.91611°W |
| River mouth | Tillamook Bay Oregon 0 ft (0 m) 45°29′15″N 123°54′06″W / 45.48750°N 123.90167°W |
| Length | 17 mi (27 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 61 sq mi (160 km2) |
The Tillamook River is a stream about 17 miles (27 km) long. It flows near the coast of northwest Oregon in the United States. This river helps drain a valley by the ocean. This valley is located in the foothills of the Northern Oregon Coast Range.
The Tillamook River flows west of Portland. It eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean. It does this by joining Tillamook Bay. The Tillamook River is one of five rivers that flow into this bay. The other four rivers are the Trask, the Wilson, the Kilchis, and the Miami.
Journey of the River
The Tillamook River starts in southern Tillamook County. This is about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Cape Lookout. It first flows east, then generally north. It travels through a wide farming valley.
The river passes west of the city of Tillamook. It then enters the southern part of Tillamook Bay. For its last 1 mile (1.6 km), the Tillamook River shares a channel. It flows alongside the Trask River in this section.
The Land Around the River
The area where the Tillamook River begins is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 61 square miles (160 km2). Much of the upper part of this area is covered in forests.
However, the lower valley of the river is mostly made up of drained pasture land. This land is used for farming. Tillamook County is famous for its dairy farms. It is home to the Tillamook County Creamery Association. Sunset Magazine once called the county "a natural cow pasture."
River Branches
Many smaller streams flow into the Tillamook River. These are called tributaries. They join the main river from its source to its mouth.
- Mills Creek
- Munson Creek
- Joe Creek
- Simmons Creek
- Fawcett Creek
- Killam Creek
- Bewley Creek
- Sutton Creek
- Beaver Creek
- Anderson Creek
- Fagan Creek
- Esther Creek
- Tomlinson Creek
- Memaloose Creek
- Dick Creek
