Cape Meares

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint perches on a dramatic headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Three Arch Rocks, offering some of Oregon's most spectacular coastal views. The park is home to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, one of the shortest lighthouses on the Oregon coast, and the famous Octopus Tree, a uniquely shaped Sitka spruce. The combination of historic structures, unusual natural features, and outstanding scenery makes this a must-visit destination.

Three Arch Rocks, visible from the viewpoint, hosts one of the largest seabird nesting colonies on the Oregon coast, with thousands of common murres, tufted puffins, and cormorants. Harbor seals and sea lions haul out on the rocks. The old-growth forest supports marbled murrelets and other forest species. Gray whales pass close to the cape during migration.

The park protects remnant old-growth Sitka spruce forest, including the famous Octopus Tree with its unusual candelabra-like branching pattern. The lush understory includes sword fern, salal, and evergreen huckleberry. Coastal wildflowers bloom in open areas during spring and summer. The forest demonstrates the character of pre-logging coastal forests.

Cape Meares is composed of resistant basalt that has withstood erosion while softer rocks on either side wore away. The dramatic cliffs drop directly into the ocean, providing nesting sites for seabirds. Three Arch Rocks offshore are sea stacks remaining from the former extent of the headland. Wave action continues to shape the cape and islands.

The cape experiences a mild, wet maritime climate with cool, foggy summers and wet, mild winters. Summer temperatures average in the low 60s°F. Annual precipitation exceeds 80 inches. The exposed location is often windy and foggy when nearby beaches are calm and clear. Winter storms bring dramatic wave action.

The Tillamook people inhabited this coast for thousands of years. The Cape Meares Lighthouse was constructed in 1890 to warn mariners of the dangerous coastline. The lighthouse was replaced by an automated light in 1963 and is now preserved as a historic attraction. The Octopus Tree may have been shaped by indigenous peoples for ceremonial purposes.

Cape Meares became a state park to preserve its exceptional scenic values, historic lighthouse, and unusual natural features. The lighthouse has been restored and is open for tours. The park provides public access to this spectacular section of coast while protecting the sensitive old-growth forest and seabird colonies.

The historic lighthouse offers tours with panoramic ocean views. The Octopus Tree trail leads to the famous uniquely-shaped Sitka spruce. Viewpoints overlook Three Arch Rocks and its seabird colonies—binoculars recommended. The short accessible trails make major attractions available to most visitors.

The park provides parking, restrooms, and accessible trails to the lighthouse and Octopus Tree. Day-use only with no camping. Located about 10 miles west of Tillamook via Three Capes Scenic Route. The lighthouse has seasonal hours for interior tours. The park is open year-round for grounds access.

Protection of the old-growth forest and seabird colonies on Three Arch Rocks (a national wildlife refuge) are conservation priorities. The historic lighthouse is preserved as a cultural resource. Visitors should stay on designated trails to protect sensitive vegetation. The park demonstrates the importance of preserving coastal forest remnants.