Scenic Views at Cape Meares Lighthouse in Oregon

The Oregon coast is perfect for a road trip. There are so many things to explore along the way, like tidepools, beaches, and forest. But if you’re a fan of lighthouses, you’ll find a good showing of those along the coast, too.

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is one of eleven lighthouses along the Oregon coast. It’s a nice spot to stretch your legs, take a short hike and enjoy some magnificent views.

Here are some tips to help you plan your visit and get the most out of exploring Cape Meares along the Oregon coast.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Cape Meares Lighthouse may be a shorter building, but it stands 200 feet above the ocean. In fact, it’s the shortest lighthouse in Oregon at a whopping 38 feet. That height provides a beautiful view of the Oregon coastline. It’s a short walk along a paved path from the parking lot to the lighthouse.

Cape Meares lighthouse was commissioned in 1890, and featured a lens from Paris, France. The building at the bottom has since been turned into a gift shop. In May and September, it’s open 11-4 p.m. on weekdays. The hours are extended to 11-6 p.m. between June and August.

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Unlike many other lighthouses, there are tours of the tower are available. There are no admission fees to tour the tower, and no advanced reservations are required. They don’t allow people to wear backpacks up the tower, or carry children – it’s a safety thing.

There’s a paved path on the south side of the lighthouse along the cliff’s edge that leads back up toward the parking lot area.

The Octopus Tree

Most trees in the area stand straight and tall. But there’s one tree that grew a little weird. It’s known as the Octopus Tree. From the parking lot, follow the signs on the south east that will guide you along the short trail to the tree.

The Octopus Tree has a base that’s about 50 feet wide. Rather than a trunk stretching straight up into the sky, it splits into several trunks which in turn grow vertical. The tree is hard to miss. But don’t cross over the small fence to climb on the tree.

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Hike a few yards beyond the tree for a great viewpoint of the coastline to the south.

Hiking and Bird Watching

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers more than three miles of hiking trails. The mile-long walking trail stretches from the lighthouse to the viewpoint near the Octopus tree.

From Cape Meares, you can see the largest colony of nesting common murres. The site is one of the most populous colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent. Keep an eye out for bald eagles or peregrine falcons, because they’re frequently spotted in the area.

During the winter and spring months, people often come here to whale watch. There are some resident whales you may be lucky enough to see during the summer months. You may also hear some sea lions and seals in the area.

The Details

Address: 10 miles east of Tillamook, Oregon

Cost: There is no entrance fee for this park.

Hours: Open for use year round.

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=131

Phone: (503) 842-3182

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