The best cycling routes around Garibaldi

If you're a cheese lover, this is a must stop! This famous creamery and visitor center attracts over 1.3 million visitors each year. The factory produces over 170,000 pounds of cheese daily, with an impressive aging warehouse for 50 million pounds of cheese. You can take a self-guided tour to watch the cheesemaking, packaging, and ice cream production from a viewing area. While you're here, you can enjoy cheese and ice cream flights to sample a variety of delicious items, have a craft beer and a meal at the café, and browse the gift shop for unique cheese items. Admission is free, and if you're not in a hurry, it's easy to spend a few hours here.

Netarts Bay Drive showcases stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and crashing waves. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, seabirds, seals, and even the occasional otter frolicking along the coast.

The Nehalem River is a breathtaking waterway that boasts diverse wildlife, both on land and in the water, from majestic elk and black-tailed deer to playful river otters and busy beavers. Below the surface, the river is teeming with salmon and other fish. As you ride along, you might spot a northern spotted owl, an osprey, or even a golden eagle in the sky. In 2019, the river was designated a “State Scenic Waterway” to protect its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Rockaway Beach State Park offers more than just sun-kissed shores and crashing waves. The park's trails wind through forests, meadows, and along the stunning Oregon coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. You'll also see plenty of wildlife along the way, such as deer, elk, and seabirds.

Symons State Scenic Viewpoint is the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking view of the Oregon coastline. From here, you can take in the stunning beauty of Oceanside, Maxwell Point, and the sandy shores below. The view to the south is equally impressive, with a sweeping panorama as far as the eye can see. If you look out to the north, you'll also catch a glimpse of Cape Lookout as it reaches far out into the ocean.

Lake Lytle is a charming 65-acre lake located just off Highway 101. It provides a refreshing change of scenery for visitors exploring the coastal area. The lake is a popular destination for anglers, boaters, swimmers, and especially paddlers who are looking for a place to practice their skills.

In 1927, a man named Hammond built this massive smokestack as part of the Hammond Lumber Company. Despite running a sawmill that produced fumes, Hammond was known for his exceptional care and generosity towards the townspeople of Garibaldi. He constructed the smokestack to prevent them from inhaling the harmful fumes. Today, the towering structure still stands as a testament to his consideration for the community, and is one of the tallest man-made objects on the Oregon coast.

Garibaldi, located at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, is a small port town with a deep connection with the sea. The locals here engage in commercial fishing, where they haul freshly caught Dungeness crab, ling cod, rockfish, and even octopus at the marina up to the docks. The restaurants here serve the day's catch, making it an excellent spot to stop for lunch during a long ride.