About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon
About Southern Pacific (Sad & Poor) Tillamook Depot
Welcome to Tillamook, Oregon. The Southern Pacific Railroad opened the rail line from Portland to Tillamook in 1911. It was a lifeline for industry and residents from the coast to Hillsboro, Portland and beyond. With the advent of better roads and automobiles, passenger traffic started dwindling by the 1930s. The last passengers were carried in 1953. Freight service continued. In 1990, the SP sold the Tillamook branch from Hillsboro to Tillamook to the Port of Tillamook Bay. In 1996, a significant flood damaged bridges on the line, but they were rebuilt. However, another flood in 2007 which destroyed much of the right-of-way along the Salmonberry River canyon, proved too costly for the Port of Tillamook Bay to rebuild based on the dwindling freight traffic. The Tillamook passenger depot on 3rd street had been abandoned many years prior and left forlorn. It was threatened with demolition but was moved in 2011 by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad to a temporary location here at the Blue Heron Cheese. It was to be restored and used by the railroad. However, today it still sits up on wood blocking and is wrapped. It is unclear as to the depot's future.
The cache is along the public sidewalk by the entrance to Blue Heron. The depot can be seen from here but it is better in the parking lot. While searching for the cache, you may be watched by petting zoo animals.