Wheeler is slated to build a demonstration section of the trail this summer. Our neighbor to the south, Rockaway Beach, is preparing to develop a much longer trail through their town. Over time, the trails are envisioned to “grow together” to create a continuous path to connect our communities, provide a way for kids to ride bikes to school, attract tourism, and get hikers and bikers off of 101 along the coast.
The 82-mile-long trail will eventually connect the coast to the valley and provide a recreational opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. Work on the east side has begun and rail beds have been converted to trails that will connect to other regional trails such as Banks/Vernonia, a popular biking path west of the Metro area.
To learn more and how you can help develop the trail visit salmonberrytrail.org/
Salmonberry Trail Foundation Awarded $62,474 Grant to Support Trail
Development in Wheeler
Wheeler, OR —April 8, 2025 — The Salmonberry Trail Foundation has been awarded
a $62,474 grant through the 2024–25 Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA)
Tourism Facilities Grant Program. The funding will support the development of a
demonstration segment of the Salmonberry Trail in Wheeler—a project focused on
safety, connectivity, and community impact.
Located on the Port of Tillamook Bay right-of-way, the 1,800-foot gravel trail will parallel
the Oregon Coast Scenic Railway (OCSR) tracks. Developed in partnership with the
City of Wheeler, the Salmonberry Trail Foundation, and OCSR with input from the Port
of Tillamook Bay (PoTB), local neighbors, businesses, and the Lower Nehalem
Community Trust (LNCT), the trail aims to enhance pedestrian safety, encourage
downtown walkability, and serve as a model for future segments of the Salmonberry
Trail.
“This project is a small but powerful example of what’s possible when communities work
together,” said Gavin Mahaley, Communications and Development Director at the
Salmonberry Trail Foundation. “We’re proud to help make Wheeler more walkable,
connected, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.”
In addition to the trail itself, the project includes a concrete platform just south of
Hemlock Street where Oregon Coast Scenic Railway (OCSR) riders can safely
disembark in Wheeler. Along the trail, interpretive signage will share the ecological,
geological, historical, and cultural significance of the area, including Botts Marsh, which
the trail overlooks, providing visitors with both a scenic view and a deeper
understanding of the area.
Funding for the grant was made possible through a partnership between Tillamook
County and the TCVA. In addition to TCVA’s generous contribution, the project will be
supported by in-kind work and community donations.
“This demonstration segment in Wheeler shows how a thoughtfully designed trail can
support local economies, protect sensitive environments, and create meaningful
experiences for both visitors and locals,” said Karen Matthews, Council President,
Wheeler City Council.
Trail construction is expected to begin in Summer of 2025, with the City of Wheeler and
the Salmonberry Trail Foundation managing the project and its future maintenance.
About the Salmonberry Trail Foundation
The Salmonberry Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to build the
82-mile Salmonberry Trail—from the Tualatin Valley to the Oregon Coast—connecting
communities through shared history, nature, and movement.