Exploring the entirety of the Wilson River Trail is a big undertaking. Clocking in more than 20 miles long (with extensions planned for the future), the Coast Range hiking trail is typically used as an opportunity for long-distance hikes through the Tillamook State Forest.
That’s not to say there’s no opportunity for shorter adventures on the trail, as well.
Those looking for a quicker excursion should look no further than the hike between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill, a four-mile out-and-back adventure that leads up to and along the scenic North Fork Wilson River — one of the quieter sections of the Wilson River Trail.
Most visitors to Jones Creek may be drawn to the scenic riverside picnic area, the seasonal campground or the flatter section of the Wilson River Trail that leads west to the Tillamook Forest Center (which is currently closed to the public).
For this adventure, hikers will want to turn away from the main attractions at Jones Creek and take the trail to the east, found just across the entrance road from the main parking lot, where a small, understated trailhead offers access to the forest.
The Wilson River Trail runs between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill through the Tillamook State Forest in the Coast Range.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
Fall color frames the North Fork Wilson River along the Wilson River Trail, between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill in the Tillamook State Forest.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
The Wilson River Trail runs between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill through the Tillamook State Forest in the Coast Range.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
A picnic table sits beside a footbridge over the North Fork Wilson River along the Wilson River Trail at Diamond Mill in the Tillamook State Forest.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
This segment of the Wilson River Trail runs two miles uphill, past equestrian trails and areas designated for off-highway vehicles (like ATVs and dirt bikes), leading to some obstructed Coast Range views before following the North Fork Wilson River past Lester Creek Falls to a beautiful wooden footbridge that marks the end of the hike.
While surely a beautiful spot any time of year, the hike along the North Fork Wilson River is especially gorgeous in the first part of fall, when the many maples and other deciduous trees change color for the season, and the river begins to rise with seasonal rains.
The endpoint of the hike is a beautiful, quiet place to rest, with a picnic table beside the wooden bridge and a short trail that leads down to the river.
Those who want to put more miles under their feet have plenty of room to do so: From the bridge at Diamond Mill, the Wilson River Trail runs another 12.5 miles past Kings Mountain, Elk Mountain and Elk Creek, ending at a viewpoint that is (for now) the easternmost endpoint of the long-distance trail.
For hikers who want just a taste of what the Wilson River Trail has to offer, the hike between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill is a nice appetizer and a perfect adventure for the beginning of fall.
The Wilson River Trail runs between Jones Creek and Diamond Mill through the Tillamook State Forest in the Coast Range.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Amenities: Restrooms at either end; picnic area and campground (closed October through April) at Jones Creek
This hike is rated “moderate” for some steep hills.
The hike begins at the parking lot for the Jones Creek Day Use Area, found on the side of Oregon 6 about 29 miles west of the highway’s intersection with U.S. 26. Turn off Oregon 6 onto Jones Creek Road, following signs for the Jones Creek Campground, then look for the parking lot on the left just over a short bridge.
To begin the hike, look for the trailhead just across Jones Creek Road from the parking lot. From there, the trail will head uphill into the woods. Follow signs for the Wilson River Trail, ignoring those that lead to the equestrian trailhead or any other trails.
The trail crosses the North Fork Wilson River Road twice during the hike, where you might see logging trucks or vehicles transporting ATVs. It’s by no means a busy road, but be mindful as you cross, and look for small trail markers on the other side.
As the trail flattens out near the top, it passes by a partially obstructed view of the rolling Coast Range mountains. Continue on, and you’ll hear the North Fork Wilson River running just below.
You’ll soon reach a signed junction with a side trail that leads to Diamond Mill. Ignore that sign and instead go right, following all signs for the Wilson River Trail or that simply read “trail.”
Just after the first sign to Diamond Mill, you should be able to hear Lester Creek Falls across the river. There’s no good view of the waterfall from the main trail, but a small side trail leads to a more open viewpoint — just watch your step as the trail is steep and eroded, and can get slippery when wet.
Shortly after the waterfall, the trail will open up at a wooden footbridge over the river. A picnic table beside the bridge is a nice place to rest, and a short trail leads down to the river just below. There is a vault toilet in the Diamond Mill parking area to the left.
Unless you’re planning on hiking farther down the Wilson River Trail (making the trek to Kings Mountain or the many viewpoints in between) this is your spot to turn around and head back the way you came.
--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
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