(Hillsboro, Ore. — Aug 18, 2025) — The Salmonberry Trail Foundation (STF) is encouraging a collaborative, community-first approach as the Port of Tillamook Bay (POTB) Board considers upcoming decisions related to railroad use and the City of Rockaway Beach’s request to advance the Salmonberry Trail through town.
STF was founded to build the 82-mile Salmonberry Trail connecting the Willamette Valley to the Pacific Ocean for walkers, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, and hunters—linking communities while supporting public health, education, and local economies. We value the full range of partners working toward that vision, including the City of Rockaway Beach, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR), the City of Wheeler, and communities across Tillamook County.
In July, the City of Rockaway Beach asked POTB to finalize lease negotiations with OCSR by the end of August and to end the train’s lease north of downtown Rockaway to allow a rail-to-trail segment from downtown to the Neah-Kah-Nie School area. Under the City’s approach, OCSR’s excursions would continue between Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi, with tours north of Rockaway Beach ceasing.
At the 30% design stage, the City estimates a rail-with-trail approach at approximately $5 million per mile, while a rail-to-trail approach north of downtown is approximately $1 million per mile. STF supports POTB’s work to determine the highest and best use of the right-of-way. Our role is to help communities translate those choices into safe, connected places to move, learn, and thrive—whether that means rail-with-trail, rail-to-trail, or a rail-bed trail based on local context.
Stay Engaged
The POTB Board will meet on August 27, 2025, at 3 PM.
• Join online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87184102789?pwd=uvFJ0antPSYO1jcwrDnUpMmj1HbUhF.1 Meeting ID: 871 8410 2789 Password: 816336
• Attend in person: 4000 Blimp BLVD, Suite #100, Tillamook, OR 97141
• Send comments/questions to POTB General Manager Michele Bradley at mbradley@potb.org
STF will continue to monitor and engage in this process to ensure that development of the Salmonberry Trail remains possible and responsive to community goals.
About the Salmonberry Trail Foundation Mission: To build the 82-mile Salmonberry Trail, connecting us to our history, nature, and each other. Our work: building trails, developing capacity, building a movement, and raising funds. Learn more at salmonberrytrail.org.