Trip Report: Lower Salmonberry River Hike
Quick take: The Lower Salmonberry follows the Salmonberry River and the out-of-service Port of Tillamook Bay railroad through Oregon's Coast Range. Expect about 15 miles end to end, log jams, steep washed-out embankments and dark railroad tunnels. Plan a full day, bring a headlamp and wear waterproof boots.
Heads up: this rail corridor is not yet an official, maintained trail. Access rules and closures change, so check current conditions with the Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency and local land managers before you go.
| Date hiked | April 2, 2016 |
| Location | Lower Salmonberry River, Coast Range, Oregon |
| Conditions | Sunny and mild |
| Duration | Day trip (about 6 hours out and back) |
| Difficulty | Moderate: steep embankments, log jams, tunnels and narrow paths |
| Kid friendly? | No |
| Dog friendly? | Yes |
The full report
This 15ish mile trail follows the Salmonberry River and the now defunct Tillamook railroad in the coast range. I was intrigued by this hike for the variety of obstacles and things to see. There was definitely a large adventure aspect to it. Scrambling over a few log jams, sliding down steep embankments from past washouts or wandering through pitch black tunnels are the activities on order for this hike. My friend and I parked at the eastern edge and spent about 6 hours on trail in an in and out format. The hike itself can be done in a day if a car is parked at both sides or you can spend the night on the trail if you choose to walk the entire length in both directions. Given the obstacles it can be slow going at times so make sure to budget an entire day to this adventure. I highly recommend this hike for its added adventure.
What to bring for the Salmonberry
Coast Range trails are wet most of the year, and this one adds tunnels, mud and scrambling. Our checklist:
- Waterproof boots with good traction for wet ties, mud and steep dirt
- Trekking poles for sliding down washouts and crossing log jams
- A rain shell, even on a sunny forecast
- A headlamp (and a backup) for the tunnels
- A first aid kit: you are a long way from help
- Water, food for a full day and a paper map
ObozKatabatic LT Mid GTX (Men's)Waterproof, grippy and light
RossignolAltiridge Mid R-Shell Dry (Women's)Waterproof women's hiking boot
CAMPBackcountry 3.0 Trekking PolesStability on washouts and log jams
PatagoniaM's Torrentshell 3L Rain JacketCoast Range rain insurance
PatagoniaW's Torrentshell 3L Rain JacketWomen's waterproof shell
SurvivewareSurvival First Aid KitCompact kit for remote day hikes
Sea to SummitUltra-Sil Pack CoverKeeps your pack dry in the drizzle
Headlamps are available in-store at Next Adventure on Grand Avenue in Portland.
Lower Salmonberry hike FAQ
How long is the Salmonberry River hike?
The full corridor section is roughly 15 miles. We hiked about 6 hours as an out-and-back from the eastern end. To do the whole thing in a day, leave a car at each end.
Is the Salmonberry hike dog friendly?
Yes for fit, experienced dogs, but there are log jams and steep embankments to scramble. It is not recommended for kids.
Do you need a headlamp?
Yes. The old railroad tunnels are pitch black.
Is the Salmonberry an official trail?
Not yet. The Salmonberry Trail is a planned rail-to-trail project along the old Port of Tillamook Bay line, and access to the corridor can be restricted. Check current status before you go.