N. Oregon Coast's Deeper, More Rugged Parks Could Use Some Help: Tillamook County Parks Foundation

Published 09/15/2026 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) – Behind the beauty and head-spinning splendor of the forested parts of the north Oregon coast, behind the scenes, really, there's a group that's been rather silently nudging things along. The deeper greens of Tillamook County, with its rugged, riverside parks and hotspots, are part of the dramatic shift in the area's vibes. (Above: Netarts / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Those places need restoration here and there. And sometimes that's a lot of work.

The Tillamook County Parks Foundation likes to think big. Its push to elevate its parks system is gaining momentum, with major upgrades underway and more improvements on the horizon. The foundation, working alongside county parks leadership, is driving a long-term effort to make this stretch of north Oregon coast parks a model of stewardship through planning, community partnerships, volunteer support and sustained fundraising.

In just its first two years of existence, it's made quite a splash. Quite a difference. You can see it firsthand.

Among them: Barview Jetty Park, the county's largest park, has seen the most recent progress. In 2025, crews completed the Bradley K. Webster Community Shelter, a new gathering space equipped with tables, chairs, sinks and dedicated parking. Six overnight cabins were also added, each designed to accommodate groups of up to six. Additional upgrades are planned, including improved traffic flow at the park entrance, a new fee station and an ADA-accessible booth. The park's 315 campsites continue to receive utility improvements to better serve both RV and tent campers.

Work is expanding across the rest of the county's park system. The Netarts Boat Launch is slated for repairs, paired with a community-driven Netarts Enhancement Project that will introduce native plant gardens, a large seating area and gazebo, picnic space, room for outdoor festivals and concerts, and ADA-compliant pathways.

Yet all this needs a bit of help from the public.

Donations for the project are being accepted at netartscac.org, with contributions matched up to $35,000.

In Pacific City, preliminary plans for Webb County Campground include relocating and enlarging the popular site.

“Our goal of having the best county parks in the state is a lofty one,” said Dan Keyes, director of Tillamook County Parks. “It will take a few years, improving one park and boat launch at a time. But with the help of the Parks Foundation, community donations and volunteers, we will meet our goal.”

The Tillamook County Parks Department manages six campgrounds and 17 boat launches. The nonprofit Tillamook County Parks Foundation raises funds for improvements, supports conservation projects, coordinates volunteer stewardship and advocates for sustainable park management. Donations can be made at tillamookcountyparksfoundation.org/donate.

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