The region's largest forest-based learning center
The Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based learning center; a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. Located at the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, the region’s newest interpretive and educational center showcases the legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort.
Site improvements include a large amphitheater, an outdoor classroom/lab, a series of interpretive trails and demonstration forest plots. Weyerhaeuser donated the engineering and materials for a 250’-0” long pedestrian bridge which provides access to the existing day use and campground area across the Wilson River.
The wood beams, cedar siding, and windows were milled from trees harvested from a managed forest. They satisfy principles of sustainability by addressing the need for environmental performance, social responsibility and economic vitality.
Valuable rainwater is put to work and supports the building in many ways. Rainfall from the roof is collected in the pond. Operable windows provide cooling for most of the year but in the event additional cooling is required the pond water is then used to cool the building, flush toilets, and supply the fire sprinkler and irrigation system. Low water use toilets in the washrooms utilize treated rainwater collected in the pond outside. Using rainwater to flush toilets saves about 100,000 gallons of drinkable water every year. High-efficiency wood pellet boilers use 25 percent less energy than standard gas boilers and burn pellets made of left-over sawdust from sawmills.