Cape Meares: Ocean Views, Forest and Lighthouse

At Cape Meares, coastal views, forest and distinctive trees sit alongside a maritime landmark. The different destinations along the trails range from the Octopus Tree and old-growth fir forest to a climb to the summit. This makes it possible to get to know the destination through specific nature and cultural themes.

Ocean Views and Protected Nature

The Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is known for its ocean views. The headland includes an Oregon State Park and a National Wildlife Refuge. The agencies responsible jointly manage the headland to protect its historical and natural resources. The park offers excellent views of one of the continent’s largest nesting colonies of common murres. The 15-acre Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is also visible offshore from Cape Meares. Nesting birds and a visible offshore refuge thus offer distinct nature highlights.

Trails to Trees and Through the Forest

A 0.1-mile trail leads from the main parking lot to the Octopus Tree. Several trunks rise from its 50-foot-wide base. The trail thus pairs a specific distance with a distinctive tree shape. From the park entrance, a 0.8-mile route passes through old-growth fir forest that is part of a National Wildlife Refuge. A 0.25-mile spur leads to Oregon’s largest Sitka spruce. The trail descriptions vary by starting point, length and destination: the parking lot and Octopus Tree, the park entrance and fir forest, and the spur to the Sitka spruce. If you’re planning a walk, you can choose a route based on the landscape feature named for it.

Lighthouse and Maritime History

The Cape Meares Lighthouse has a first-order Fresnel lens. Its distinctive red and white flashes were visible for more than 21 miles. The lens and its documented range make the lighthouse’s historic role clear. Maritime history thus complements the trails and nature views, without limiting the destination to a single theme.

Three Capes Scenic Loop and Beach

Traveling south on the Three Capes Scenic Loop, you’ll approach Cape Meares State Park and Cape Meares Lighthouse. This directional detail is useful when planning how to include Cape Meares on a drive along the Scenic Loop.

Hikers can walk about 0.3 miles along the beach to the Cape Trail, then climb another 0.8 miles through coastal forest to the summit of Cape Meares. This route leads from the beach to the Cape Trail, then through the forest and up to the summit. Road and trail conditions can change, so check current conditions before setting out.

Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Cape Meares Beach, except for official or permitted vehicles. Local rules may change, so it’s a good idea to check the current regulations before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Netarts, Tillamook, Neskowin, Nehalem, Cloverdale, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Garibaldi

For the broader travel overview: Tillamook County.