the path makes a sharp left turn and then goes mostly downhill for 0.2 mile to the base of Wilson Falls, which is on an unnamed side creek. Instead of dropping in a single spectacular fall, Wilson Falls cascades down a very steep cliff creating a veil-like appearance that is quite beautiful. Maidenhair ferns, devil’s clubs, yellow monkeyflowers, bleeding hearts, and other water-loving plants complete the scene. The falls is most attractive in the spring when the plants are bright green and the creek is full of water. Although the Wilson River Trail continues beyond the falls, most of the next few miles are near the road and are not recommended.
Since this is a fairly short hike, you might consider extending your stay by visiting other nearby attractions. First and foremost, don’t miss the short hike to Bridge Creek Falls. Starting from the same trailhead as the main hike, walk 40 yards west along the south side of Highway 6, and then turn left up a short flight of stone stairs into the canyon of Bridge Creek. The narrow trail climbs for 0.1 mile to the base of this tall waterfall, which cascades down a dark cliff face. Two unnatural but very interesting nearby attractions are also worth your time. Smith Homestead and the Tillamook Forest Center both offer human and natural history displays and information. They are located about 2 miles east (back toward Portland) on Highway 6.
Wilson River below Footbridge Trailhead
TRIP 8 Lester Creek Pinnacles
| Distance | 6.2 miles, Out-and-back | |
| Elevation Gain | 1350 feet | |
| Hiking Time | 3 to 4 hours | |
| Optional Map | Tillamook State Forest (trail not shown) | |
| Usually Open | Mid-March to November | |
| Best Times | May and June | |
| Trail Use | Dogs OK, mountain biking | |
| Agency | Forest Grove District, Tillamook State Forest | |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
HIGHLIGHTS For most of its 21-mile length, the Wilson River Trail stays close to both State Highway 6 and the river that gave the trail its name. At times, however, private property forces the trail away from the river and onto higher ground. By far the most scenic of these detours is the section that takes you high on the western slopes of Kings Mountain into the drainage of Lester Creek. The views here are tremendous, and since few hikers have discovered this relatively new trail, there is a good chance you will have the scenery all to yourself.
DIRECTIONS Drive west from Portland on State Highway 6 toward Tillamook. Near milepost 22.6, turn right on gravel North Fork Road. Cross a bridge, go 0.3 mile to a junction, and then turn right, following signs to Diamond Mill Off-Highway Vehicle site. After 1.3 miles turn right into the huge parking area for the off-highway vehicle (OHV) site, and park as far from the noisy machines as possible, preferably at the north end of the lot.
The trail, which is closed to motorized vehicles despite the fumes, noise, and ugliness of the trailhead, starts from the northeast corner of the parking lot and descends for 50 yards to a junction with Wilson River Trail just before a gracefully arcing wooden bridge over North Fork Wilson River. Before crossing the bridge, consider taking a quick side trip to the right (south) on the Wilson River Trail. After 0.1 mile this trail takes you past a viewpoint of Lester Creek Falls, a two-tiered 15-foot drop where Lester Creek tumbles into the river. After visiting this lovely falls, return to the bridge and cross to the east side of the clear river.
The trail climbs a switchback away from the bridge and then ascends into a lovely second-growth forest mostly comprised of Douglas firs. The grade remains gentle using long switchbacks and winding traverses to accomplish its ascent. You soon climb past a small, wet meadow choked with red alders and then resume hiking in coniferous woods with only occasional views of craggy Kings Mountain to the east and Kings Mountain Junior to the southeast. Although the trail twice crosses traces of ancient logging tracks, signs of human activity are otherwise rare. Signs of elk, however, are abundant, especially in the form of frequent piles of droppings, so watch your step. More uphill switchbacks and traverses take you over a side ridge and then high into the rugged drainage of Lester Creek. The views become more frequent as you climb, becoming truly exceptional at a little past 2 miles when you cross an open slope with an unobstructed look at the west face of Kings Mountain.
Pinnacle along Wilson River Trail
Once on the mountain’s flanks, the trail makes an extremely scenic up-and-down traverse, crossing several small feeder streams of Lester Creek. The real attractions here, however, are a large basalt outcropping and a pinnacle next to the trail at 3 and 3.1 miles, respectively. These both feature terrific views to the west and make great lunch spots.
The pinnacles are the logical place to turn around, but if you have more energy, continue on the Wilson River Trail as it crosses the main stem of small Lester Creek and then traverses to an unsigned junction on a ridgetop at about 4 miles. The steep spur trail to the left goes to the top of Kings Mountain Junior, a good alternate destination for athletic types (see Trip 9). If you have a second car and want to make this a one-way adventure, you can continue 1.6 miles down the Wilson River Trail to the Kings Mountain Trailhead (see Trip 9).
TRIP 9 Kings Mountain Junior Loop
| Distance | 4.6 miles, Loop | |
| Elevation Gain | 2100 feet | |
| Hiking Time | 3 to 4 hours | |
| Optional Map | Tillamook State Forest (trail not shown) | |
| Usually Open | March to November | |
| Best Times | May and June | |
| Trail Use | No dogs (allowed, but too rocky and rough for most dogs) | |
| Agency | Forest Grove District, Tillamook State Forest | |
| Difficulty |
Difficult
|
