Watershed FAQs

The Tillamook Bay Watershed lies near the northwest corner of Oregon on the western side of the Coast Range Mountains. Aside from some small creeks and sloughs that drain 

directly to the Bay, the majority of water entering the Tillamook Bay is carried by 5 large 

rivers – the Miami, Kilchis, Wilson, Trask, and Tillamook. These Rivers have their headwaters at varying elevations up to nearly 3,700 ft. in the Coast Range.

The watersheds of Tillamook Bay have abundant forest and aquatic resources. The forest lands have a unique history of fire and support a thriving timber industry. The streams that drain to Tillamook Bay support a recreational and commercial fishing industry. The lowlands support a thriving dairy industry and the estuary and Baylands are critical for the support of the fishery, and support important oyster, clam and crab fisheries. 

In NW Oregon, fed by Miami, Kilchis, Wilson, Trask, and Tillamook Rivers. It is approximately 583 square miles of area that drains into Tillamook Bay. 

The watersed supports large salmon runs, oyster farms, cattle and dairy land, and drinking water for multiple municipalities including Garibaldi, Bay City, and Tillamook.

TBWC focuses on working with the community and striving to increase habitat complexity, improve fish passage, water quality, and riparian restoration.