I decided to head out to Tillamook State Forest today and do some hiking along the Wilson River. I haven't seen a lot of trip reports from out this way, so I figured I'd do my own and see if I can get some more people out there. Granted, it lacks a lot of the jaw dropping "WOW" factor that the Gorge or the mountains have, but it's got a quaint charm to it...and it's a lot shorter drive for me than those other places. At any rate...the trip started out in pretty dismal form. The closer I got to the trail head the harder it started raining. Not a great start. I stopped at the Tillamook Forestry Center, which was on the way, and waited out the worst of the downpour inside. There's some really great displays about forestry and logging back in the old days and a lookout tower outside. If you're on your way to the coast or one of the trails nearby you should check it out. When the monsoon slowed to a gentle drizzle I decided to put on the raincoat and try to salvage the day. As it turned out that was a good thought. The rain stopped about halfway through my hike and I was treated to some sun and blue skies for the rest of the day. I headed out on the Footbridge Trail with a few miscues due to the actual trail being a little tough to find. Lots of little fishermen and camper trails around the river to throw you off. Finally I got myself back on track and headed into the wild green yonder. The trail was still in surprisingly good condition for just getting rained on and I was the only one on it. Ironically this part of the Wilson River Trail barely goes near the river. It's pretty much all woods all the way with a few glimpses of the river through the trees now and then. Still a nice little trail though.
But growing up in Bakersfield, CA and Colorado Springs, CO (very dry, nothing grows in those places) I was amazed when my family moved to NW Oregon 31 years ago. It's like a wonderland paradise. 
