Another hike from the to-do list marked as done. On my quest to find new trails I started looking for old books that might have now deconditioned trails. A couple of years ago I stumble across a book from the late 70’s published by the Sierra Club with over 40 trails in the Tillamook Forest. Among those, I found three trails I’d heard about but didn’t have much information. These trails or routes actually are three different portions along the Port of Tillamook Railroad tracks. Back then, when the book was published, these tracks were actually in use so you had to take care when walking on trestles or in tunnels that there was no train coming. I imagine back then how exciting – and dangerous – of a hike that would be. But then, in 2007 a winter storm cause severe damage to the tracks to the point that they were decommissioned. Today, part of those tracks are disappearing under layers of dirt and plants. Some sections, where you can still see the tracks, the might be hanging in the air. This particular section seems to be the most interesting as it has the most trestles and tunnels in a relatively short distance. It starts from a road near the Cochran Pond and travels west towards Belding. Overall the trail is pretty flat although you have to walk, for the most part, on the track itself which in certain conditions can be tricky and slippery. For us, it was a sunny and warm day so that was not a problem. We did notice a pungent smell of oil as the tie started sweating under the sun. The hike is interesting nonetheless. As you walk thru the vegetation and observe the storm destruction, you can imagine the old days with trains traveling along this route carrying timber. As we did, you may also hear gunshots in the distance which makes it even more earie. There are multiple relics to explore and tunnels to pass along the way. Best of all, you can make this hike as long or as short as you like. I still have to do the second section to Belding as I’ve heard there’s a ghost town there. Spooky.
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