Cape Mears Lighthouse

The lighthouse was named for Captain John Meares who was the first to sail into Tillamook Bay. It is recognized as the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Built in 1889, this teeny tiny wonder stands only 38 feet tall and it is truly a delight to see. Don’t let its small size fool you though, the light could be seen for 21 miles out to sea because of the steep sea cliff on which it rests and due to its Fresnel lens.

Cape Meares Lighthouse. Tucked away amidst the natural beauty that adorns the National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint it can be found at the north end of the stunning Three Capes Scenic Route.

The lighthouse lens is a first order Fresnel (pronounced “Fraynel”) lens made in Paris, France. It was shipped around Cape Horn, up the west coast to Cape Meares. It was then hauled 217 feet up the cliff by a wooden crane built from local timbers native to the area.

Cape Meares lighthouse is open to visitors seasonally from April through October. The lighthouse offers free admission and is located down a slightly steep slope.

From the park’s many viewpoints, you might spot migrating gray whales or other marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins, and porpoise. During the Whale Watch Week programing in December and Spring Break, volunteers are stationed here to help visitors spot migrating whales. No matter what time of year you visit, binoculars are a must!

From April through July, the steep cliffs and offshore rocks are nesting sites for thousands of seabirds, including common murres, pelagic and Brandt’s cormorants and pigeon guillemots. Peregrine falcons occasionally nest on the cliffs in the spring.

While here, be sure to take the 0.1-mile path from the main parking lot to the unusually shaped “Octopus Tree,” named for its thick, sprawling limbs. From a turnoff at the park entrance, a 0.8-mile trail heads north through a forest of old growth spruce that's part of a National Wildlife Refuge. Take the .25-mile spur trail to the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon.