Tillamook Cheese Factory

My family has been eating Tillamook cheese for many years, so it was a real treat, in more than one way, to be able to visit the Tillamook cheese factory in beautiful valleys of Tillamook, Oregon.  The factory sits in the rolling hills of the valley it is named for. I was surprised by the charming nature of the valley and the factory. I think I expected it to be surrounded by large cattle ranches.

It was in 1851 that European settlers first arrived in the Tillamook valley finding that all the rain as well as the cooler climate was perfect for raising dairy cows.  However, getting their products to market proved challenging as they would often spoil before arriving. In 1854, farmers collaborated to build Oregon’s first ship to transport their wares.  

It wasn’t until 1894 that they began making cheese when a Canadian, Peter McIntosh brings his expertise to the valley.  Several farmers joined together in 1909 to form a cooperative ensuring all cheese made in the valley would reach the same high quality.  This was the beginning of the Tillamook County Creamery Association. Currently, there are roughly 80 farmers/owners in the co-op. Each of them has their own way of doing things.  The farmers are paid well above market value for their milk. Annual earnings are shared amongst the farmers. Business earnings go back into the farmer’s pockets, despite market market value.

The thing that drew my family to Tillamook was the way they treat and handle their cows.  Humane procedures, comfort, and cleanliness are a priority. In addition, cows are not treated with artificial growth hormones.  Though the employees at the factory are not the farmers themselves, they portrayed the solidarity and contentment that Tillamook boasts of among their farmers.  

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is for all ages.  There are fun activities for the kids. Engaging displays portray their values and worth ethics as well as information about their products.

The factory has a hallway lined with windows allowing their guests to look down into the actual working of the factory.  Depending on the day, you will see any variety of the processes to make and wrap cheese. The day we were there they were taking their sharp cheddar out of their aging coolers and cutting it into blocks ready to be packaged and delivered.  

As a family we are lovers of dairy.  One of our favorite types of cheese is curd.  The cheese tasting counter was among the favorites of our tour. 

Our most favorite part of Tillamook was the ice cream!  Our favorite flavors at home are Udderly Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter.  A couple of us stuck with our favorites, but the rest branched into the special flavors offered only at the creamery in Tillamook.  

  

If you’re ever in Oregon and looking for something to do, I highly recommend visiting the Tillamook valley and Cheese Factory.  You will not be disappointed.