Longtime Oregonians likely remember the devastating fire in 1933 known as the Tillamook Burn that ravaged nearly 240,000 acres of prime forest land (with smaller fires between 1939 and 1951 burning an additional 120,000 acres). Today, the Tillamook State Forest Center (45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook; 503-815-6800, 866-930-4646), an interpretive and educational center owned and operated by the Oregon Department of Forestry, tells the story behind the legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the massive public reforestation effort which resulted in more than 72 million Douglas Fir seedlings planted in the area.

Along with fascinating interactive exhibits, visitors often adventure further with a climb up the 40-foot fire lookout tower replica and an excursion across the 250-foot pedestrian suspension bridge that leads to the Wilson River Trail. A classroom, theater and interpretive trails also provide educational opportunities for people of all ages. This is truly an exceptional destination for exploration and connecting with the forests around us. Summer hours go through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The center will begin closing at 4 p.m. during the fall and is closed during the winter months.

Inside the new Tillamook Creamery visitor center, a sprawling 38,500-square-foot facility.

A brand-new visitor facility recently opened at the

(4175 U.S. 101 N., Tillamook; 503-815-1300) and what a success it has been. Begin your experience with a free self-guided tour to see how Tillamook makes and packages its famous cheese, as well as a stop at the educational exhibits along the way showcasing Tillamook's products, history and dairy farming heritage. Everything is more fun with ice cream and with every flavor of Tillamook ice cream (more than 30 in all) on the menu, it comes as no surprise that the lines at the new indoor/outdoor ice cream counters accumulate quickly. The enticing aroma of hot-off-the-griddle waffle cones permeates the retail and eating areas, usually making this the first stop. Along with ice cream, Tillamook also produces hundreds of varieties of cheese, yogurt, sour cream and butter, which are all sold at the on-site retail area and in grocery stores across the country.

Related: First look at the new Tillamook Cheese Factory visitors center

If you save room for lunch, Tillamook dairy products steal the show at the newly expanded cafe, which features Pacific Northwest-inspired menu items such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, appetizers like fried oysters (with creamy Tillamook butter), burgers, salads and pizzas from the new wood-fired oven. For those stopping in for a short visit, a new coffee counter and yogurt parfait bar are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast. Before you leave, stop by the marketplace for Tillamook souvenirs, gourmet food items and Northwest goods. I bought a really classy Tillamook jacket. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

--Gerry Frank

The all-new fourth edition of "Gerry Frank's Oregon" guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; Amazon.com; Macy's; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.