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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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Oregon Coast Region
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
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Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site © Jeff Gunn from Atlanta, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Munson Creek Falls
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site © Jeff Gunn from Atlanta, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Munson Creek Falls
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site © Ian Poellet / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Munson Creek Falls at Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Tillamook County, Oregon, United States.
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site © Jeff Gunn from Atlanta, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Munson Creek Falls
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MUNSON CREEK FALLS STATE NATURAL SITE
MUNSON CREEK FALLS STATE NATURAL SITE
Tillamook, Oregon   97141
(lat:45.3625 lon:-123.7694) map location
Munson Creek Falls tumbles 319' over several tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range. A short trail winds along Munson Creek through an old-growth forest to a viewpoint of the waterfall. The mile trail is accessible for all ages and every level of hiking enthusiast.

Spring and summer bring blooming trillium, corydalis and violets beneath the forest canopy. Come fall, the big leaf maples and red alders are ablaze with color. Munson Creek is vital salmon habitat. During the late fall through the winter, watch the waters for spawning salmon just below the surface.
History of the Area
Located in Tillamook County, Oregon, the area known for its stunning waterfall was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Tillamooks and Clatsops. The site's name is derived from Charles Munson who owned a donation land claim near this location during 1874.

The state of Oregon acquired ownership over several years starting with an initial purchase of about six acres in 1938. Additional purchases were made between then and up until around 1950 to expand it into what we know today - approximately 88-acres parkland that features one of tallest waterfalls on the coast range at nearly319 feet high.

In addition to being home to some old-growth Sitka spruce trees which are among oldest living organisms along Pacific Coastline; these forests also provide habitat for various wildlife species including coho salmon whose spawning grounds can be found within creek running through property.



Trails
1. Munson Creek Falls Trail: This is the main trail that leads to Oregon's tallest waterfall, which stands at 319 feet tall. The path is well-maintained and easy for all skill levels.

2. Lower Loop Trail: A short loop near the base of Munson Creek offering a different perspective on the falls as well as access to picnic areas.

3. Upper Viewpoint Trail: An uphill climb leading hikers closer to the top of Munson Creek Falls with stunning views over surrounding forested hillsides.

4. Creekside Pathway: Follows along side of beautiful creek providing opportunities for wildlife viewing including birds and small mammals native in this area.

5. The Old Growth Forest Walk: It takes you through some ancient trees within park boundaries showcasing rich biodiversity.

6. Picnic Area Trails: These are smaller trails branching off from main paths towards designated picnic spots amidst lush greenery.

7. Wildflower Meadow Track: During spring season, this track offers an array of colorful wildflowers blooming across meadows adjacent to hiking routes.

8. Fern Gully Pass: As name suggests it passes through dense fern undergrowth giving unique experience especially during rainy days when these plants thrive best.

9. Birdwatcher's Delight: Short detours designed specifically keeping bird watchers in mind where one can spot variety species perched high up or flying around.

10. Riverside Ramble: Runs parallelly alongside river bank allowing visitors enjoy soothing sounds flowing water while walking down its course.

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Area Campgrounds
Pacific City RV & Camping Resort
30000 Sandlake Road
Cloverdale, OR
503-965-6200
Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina
2260 Bilyeu
Netarts, OR
Big Spruce RV Park
4850 Netarts Highway W
Tillamook, OR
503-842-7443
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start by heading west on US:26 W towards Seaside.
2. Continue driving for approximately 50 miles until you reach the town of Elsie.
3. In Elsie, turn left onto OR:6 W/Wilson River Highway and continue for about 10 miles.

At this point, you have two options to access Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site:

Option A: Access via Lower Nehalem Road
4a. Turn right onto Lower Nehalem Road (also known as Miami Foley Road) just before reaching milepost 11 on OR:6 W.
5a. Drive along Lower Nehalem Road for around 7 miles until you see a sign indicating Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site parking area on your left:hand side.

Option B: Access via Kilchis Forest Service Roads
4b.Turn right at milepost marker #12 onto Trask River Rd/Kilchis Forest Service Rd (FSR).
5b.Continue following FSR signs through various intersections:.
- At first intersection after turning off OR-6W (#14), keep straight/right to stay on Kilchis FSR/Trask River Rd/Foley Peak Cutoff/Spruce Run Park Entrance/Mainline Logging Rds/Miami-Foley Mainline logging road system;
- At second intersection (#15), take slight left staying with main route toward Spruce Run Campground/Nehalim Divide Trailhead;
- After another few minutes (~0 .8 mi.), look out carefully for an unmarked gravel road that veers sharply uphill & slightly back behind some trees/tall brushy vegetation - it will be easy miss if not paying attention!

Once arriving at either option's designated parking area or trailhead entrance:

6. Park your vehicle in the designated parking area.
7. Follow the signs and take a short hike along Munson Creek Falls Trail, which is approximately 0.3 miles long.
8. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you make your way to Munson Creek Falls.

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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