Cape Meares Lighthouse
Iconic shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, featuring unique Octopus Tree and stunning ocean vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, featuring unique Octopus Tree and stunning ocean vistas.
"A must-visit for a peaceful stroll and great coastal views, even on an overcast day."
🚶♀️ Easy, Scenic Trails
Enjoy short, well-maintained paths with ocean views. Paved sections are great, but some unpaved parts exist.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early or late for easier access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Main viewpoint
Oregon's shortest lighthouse, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into maritime history.
The Octopus Tree
Short walk from lighthouse
A massive, uniquely shaped spruce tree with tentacle-like branches, a natural wonder.
Coastal Vistas
Various viewpoints along trails
Breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Oregon coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Accessibility and Trail Notes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy, Scenic Trails
Enjoy short, well-maintained paths with ocean views. Paved sections are great, but some unpaved parts exist.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early or late for easier access.
🐳 Whale Watching Spot
Keep an eye out for migrating whales from the clifftop viewpoints.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning coastal scenery and the charming lighthouse.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy, Scenic Trails
Enjoy short, well-maintained paths with ocean views. Paved sections are great, but some unpaved parts exist.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially during peak times. Arrive early or late for easier access.
🐳 Whale Watching Spot
Keep an eye out for migrating whales from the clifftop viewpoints.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning coastal scenery and the charming lighthouse.
🛍️ Small Gift Shop
A small shop is available at the lighthouse base for souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cape Meares Lighthouse for its stunning ocean views, accessible trails, and the unique Octopus Tree. The charming lighthouse and historical insights are also highlights. Some find the lighthouse smaller than expected, and parking can be limited during busy periods.
"Cape Meares Lighthouse is a beautiful spot with stunning ocean views and a rich history. 🌊 The walk down to the lighthouse is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. The surrounding area is peaceful, and the view of the rugged coastline is just breathtaking – perfect for photos! 📸
The lighthouse itself is small but charming, and the displays inside give a nice glimpse into its past. It can get a bit crowded at times, and parking is somewhat limited, which is why I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the Oregon Coast, especially combined with nearby viewpoints and trails."
Lakshmi srikanth reddy
"Loved Cape Meres Lighthouse. The path is easy and wide enough for both pets and people to pass comfortably, with a gentle incline that’s accessible for most visitors. You get a nice view of the top of the lighthouse itself, plus a small gift shop tucked in the lighthouse base—perfect for a quick souvenir. Even on an overcast day, the scenery is beautiful and atmospheric. A must-visit for a peaceful stroll and great coastal views. Tara and Telly enjoyed the walk 🐾"
Jeannette Calzada-Sebastiano
"The light house is smaller than expected. Beautiful trail leading to the lighthouse. There are 2 trails. They are short and easy to walk. Beautiful views of the water from all angles."
Aneesa Syed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is a short drive west of Tillamook, accessible via a scenic route. The road leading up to the park has been recently improved.
Public transport options are limited in this coastal area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Cape Meares Lighthouse.
From Tillamook, head west on OR-131 N, which becomes Cape Meares Loop Road. Follow signs for the lighthouse and park.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, there are short, easy trails leading to the lighthouse from the parking area. The main path is paved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and Lighthouse are generally free to enter. There are no admission fees.
The grounds are typically open during daylight hours. The lighthouse interior may have specific operating hours, often staffed by volunteers.
Yes, during operating hours, volunteers are often present to answer questions and allow visitors inside the lighthouse. However, you can no longer go out on the top.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee for the park or lighthouse grounds.
Yes, pets are generally allowed on the trails at Cape Meares, but they must be kept on a leash.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the lighthouse, walk the trails to the Octopus Tree, enjoy stunning ocean views, and potentially spot whales.
The main path to the lighthouse is paved and has a gentle incline, making it accessible for many. However, some unpaved sections may pose challenges.
The Octopus Tree is a unique, massive spruce tree with sprawling, tentacle-like branches, a popular natural attraction near the lighthouse.
Yes, the refuge is a nesting site for seabirds, and the surrounding waters are known for whale migrations.
Golden hour, around sunrise or sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the ocean-facing trails offer excellent perspectives of the lighthouse and coastline. The Octopus Tree also makes for unique shots.
Absolutely! The western-facing location provides stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime spot for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for potential wildlife spotting.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Wildlife Refuges and State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check local regulations.
Spring and fall often offer dramatic skies and fewer crowds. Summer provides clear days, while winter can bring moody, atmospheric conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking can be a challenge, so consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure easier access. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Explore the paths leading to the lighthouse and the unique Octopus Tree. For more extensive hiking, consider combining your visit with other trails in the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Keep an eye out for seabirds nesting on the cliffs and listen for the sounds of the ocean. 📸 Photographers
The lighthouse provides a classic coastal subject, while the rugged coastline offers dramatic backdrops. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a telephoto lens for potential whale watching or bird photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Natural Wonders
This tree is a testament to the unique microclimate and wind patterns of the Oregon Coast.Beyond these iconic spots, the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint itself provides numerous turnouts and viewpoints overlooking the rugged coastline. These spots are ideal for observing the power of the Pacific and the dramatic cliffs. The area is part of the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, making it a haven for seabirds.
Visitors can often hear and see various species nesting on the nearby rocks and sea stacks.The trails are generally well-maintained, though some may have unpaved sections, which could be a consideration for those with mobility challenges.
The History and Significance of Cape Meares Lighthouse
However, its strategic cliffside perch allowed its light to shine over 200 feet above the ocean, effectively guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Pacific. For decades, it served as a crucial beacon, warning ships of the rocky coastline and contributing to the safety of maritime trade along the Oregon Coast.The lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation but has been preserved as a historical landmark.
Whale Watching and Wildlife Opportunities
From the clifftop viewpoints, visitors have a good chance of spotting gray whales as they travel along the coast, typically between December and May. Binoculars can greatly enhance the viewing experience, allowing for closer observation of these magnificent marine mammals.Beyond whales, the rocky outcrops and sea stacks near Cape Meares serve as vital nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds.
Species like puffins, murres, and cormorants can be seen in abundance, especially during the spring and summer months. The sounds of the colonies add to the wild, natural ambiance of the area. Even without spotting whales, the diverse birdlife provides a fascinating natural spectacle for nature enthusiasts. 
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