Cape Meares Lighthouse

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.

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 🐾

The view is fantastic and anyone who is okay with a little downhill can easily do it a very beginner level hike but there is unpaved parts of the trail making it hard for wheelchairs or anything of the sort

Beautiful views! Popular place atop a hill/cliff to view whale migration and birds. The lighthouse is open during the summer months. While the walk to the lighthouse is short, it is down a hill. Those with walking challenges might have issues going both down and up the hill. There are a couple different trails around for those who like to hike.

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.

Short, well maintained trail down to the lighthouse. You can make it a loop from the parking lot - make sure you walk along the ocean side for the trip there or back. Great views. I wouldn’t recommend the tour- unless you want to hear its history as you stay inside- no longer can you go outside on the top. Volunteers there during operating hours to answer questions. Nice new road leads up to the park. Not too far from Tillamook.

Beautiful & calm place. There is an octopus tree which is short walk from the cape meares view point. Pictures are from November’25.

A beautiful place to visit. Trails paved and easy to walk. Views of the ocean are stunning. The octopus tree is interesting.

It took awhile to get to the location from where we were staying but the scenery was well worth it. The lighthouse was located below the parking with a couple of trails to get there. It is the smallest/shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast and they were offering a tour. The area surrounding the lighthouse included a trail to the Octopus tree which was worth seeing. There were areas you could stop and look at the coast which was quite stunning. The only downside was that the rest rooms were closed and there were porta potties including one that was unstable plus the doors didn't lock so it was a bit of a challenge. We were glad to have stopped and enjoyed the scenery.

Really enjoyed exploring this spot! Plenty of free parking. The walking trails are well paved & maintained. The trails are a good steep walk down to the lighthouse but the views are incredible & the trails offer scenic views from each side. They also offer free tour of the lighthouse every 15 minutes.

Loved that we included this during our little PNW vacation. The lighthouse was very unique looking with gorgeous coastal views all around. I especially loved the beautiful walking paths and ample benches / picnic tables to really soak in the views and salty air. Everything was well maintained. Parking was plentiful and free. I did not use the facilities, but there is an on-site restroom near the Octopus Tree. We spent about 45 minutes here, but definitely could have spent a couple hours had we brought a picnic lunch. Absolutely worth the 20 minute drive from Tillamook!

Cape Meares Lighthouse is a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the Oregon Coast. The stunning scenery, and natural beauty make it a unique and memorable experience. It's too bad we arrived here past 4pm when tour of the lighthouse ends. However, we still went to explore the grounds and surrounding areas around it. The views of the Cape Meates Beach are simply stunning. From the crashing waves to the endless expanse of the ocean and the lush greenery of the surrounding cliffs, every direction offers a postcard-worthy panorama. I was awestruck!

While I have been to Netarts and Tillamook more times then I can count but I have never been to Cape Meares Lighthouse until this weekend. There is not a ton of parking but overall it was beautiful! The walk down to the light house allows for a few stops to enjoy the view. The view at the light house is even more stunning! Grounds were well kept. Bathrooms were clean. I would recommend that is you are around the area that it is worth the drive out.

Gorgeous spot to stop at if you're in the area. Jaw dropping views of the cliffs above the coast. Easy paved walking trail, benches, viewpoints, a gift shop, restroom and easy parking. We were in and out in 25 minutes.

Gorgeous cliffside views of the Pacific greet you on both sides of the forested path as you make your way down towards the Cape Meares Lighthouse, situated on a small bluff overlooking the ocean. We'd arrived to late to visit the gift shop, but we couldn't have asked for better weather, or better a better panorama. Getting to the park itself was a bit of a chore, as the northern road around the cape from Tillamook was closed, meaning we had to approach from Netarts in the south, so if your Waze or Google Maps isn't sure how to get there (ours said no routes were available, which was only half true), try the other way 'round.

What an amazing Oregon Coast experience @ Cape Meares Lighthouse! in Tillamook, OR. Very well maintained grounds with Breathtaking Cliffside Views!! The drive here was pleasant enough, alongside Tillamook Bay and Cape Meares Lake. There were signs at crossroads to keep you going down the right way on a new, smooth road, but it was very curvy. Once you've arrived in a good size parking lot, there are two clean port-a-potties available. There were several designated viewing areas with bench seating. Informative stands with illustrations about the natural ecosystem including wildlife and foliage lined the path to and from the lighthouse. The gift shop was not open when we visited, but no big deal for us. I loved how there provided the history and pictures about the lighthouse on the opposite side of the welcome sign at the beginning of the trail.

OHMYGOODNESS! What a fun little gem. We took a weekend trip visiting Oregon Coast Lighthouses. Cape Meares did NOT disappoint! Parking is fantastic... easy to access. Now, keep in mind, you do have a bit of a hike (paved). It is a bit more than 1/4 mile from the parking lot and a decline downhill. The lighthouse itself is adorable... the smallest one I've ever seen in my life, but adorable nonetheless. The views are absolutely stunning! I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful it was... stunning views. The park offers great places to sit and absorb. We cannot recommend the Cape Meares Lighthouse enough! Go check it out, lovely little gem! Five stars across the board!

We loved being able to see the inside of the lighthouse and learn the history! They have a delightful little gift shop that is only open on occasion (I'm not sure what the hours are). The views are gorgeous and the walk is pretty short.

I am giving this a neutral review as we were unable to make it all the way there. We drove to within 2 miles but the approach road was under construction / washed out, so we could go no further. This was in mid-July of 2022. The coastline in the area was pretty, so I would have liked to have seen this place. If you go, you may want to check the the local park admin staff to ensure the area has reopened to traffic.

The lighthouse is good, the view is fantastic, and the best part for me was Octopus Tree! What a unique is tree - with no main trunk and many thick limbs. It's on the path past the restrooms. The drive out to see it before we went to Tillamook Creamery was worth it for the ocean view and to see Octopus Tree.

We always stop here whenever we visit the area. It's a beautiful setting and a wonderful walk to the lighthouse. It's one of the few where you have to walk downhill to get to it! The views are beautiful. The lighthouse itself is a very small building, but still nice to see. A little gift shop. You get a bit of a workout walking back uphill to the parking lot. Definitely a great place to let the kids work off some steam!

Gorgeous views- nice little walk that isn't too much! You can walk down to the light house, unfortunately the gift shop was closed but still worth it.

Ok, I love lighthouses and this is one that you can get real close to and get some awesome photographs. In season, you can even get to go up inside to the lamp. On a sunny day, it can get hot up there. From the parking lot, it's maybe 1/4 mile down to the lighthouse. You can see the top of the light through a tunnel view down the path. At the parking lot, there's a great view of the cliffs with lots of birds. Last visit, I saw a sea lion in the surf. While this isn't the tallest light on the coast, it is pretty accessible and who doesn't love a view of the Pacific on a nice day from a cliff?

Beautiful views and lighthouse. I loved the scenery, huge trees and very tranquil atmosphere. This was a great one hour stop.

Definitely see this if you're in the Tillamook area. We got there as it opened and enjoyed the guilder tour of the light house.

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is a fun stop along the Oregon Coast that affords very pretty views of the coastline and a very interesting octopus tree nearby (serious, it's nuts). The lighthouse is very small and is easily accessible and the area around the lighthouse has spectacular views of the cliffs and beach down below; the Oregon Coast is gorgeous and well worth a visit if you're in the area. There's also a small forest nearby that has some very interesting trees that have many branches emerging from the stump and are some of the more unique trees that I've ever seen. It's a fun place to visit and I would come back again!

We decided to take this loop (going through Cape Mears, Oceanside and Netarts) while visiting the creamery in Tillamook. We checked our map to see what else was nearby, and stumbled across this little gem. The drive around the loop was beautiful. The lighthouse is pretty small, but you can go inside and take a tour. The parking lot is decent sized. The trail to the lighthouse is 0.2 miles from the parking lot. It's a pretty casual walk, although a gradual downhill to the lighthouse, and of course a gradual uphill back to the parking lot. If you're out of shape, like me ;-) there are benches along the path uphill to the parking lot. There's also a viewing platform of the cape below, right off the parking lot. And a short trail to the Octopus Tree, which is worth a view. There are bathrooms available as well. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by this unexpected stop and loop drive. We will definitely be back when visiting the Tillamook area.

This spot provided some of the most beautiful views my eyes have ever seen! The Oregon coast is so impressive and you have an amazing vantage point at the lighthouse and points along the trail from the parking lot. There were about 3 different look out area with benches. From each location, you could view Pacific Ocean waves crashing into the rocky steep coast. Truly majestic! Although it was an overcast day when we visited, it made for some really nice photos. Also, make sure you visit the octopus tree on the other side of the parking lot. It's pretty crazy looking!!

One of the most spectacular settings on the Oregon coast, Cape Meares is well worth the hour-plus drive from Cannon Beach, and the culmination of some of the most beautiful roadside scenery in America. While the last nine-plus miles from Tillamook seem like an eternity, the broad expanse of ocean, and the glorious granite cliffs that surround it, will reward your patience in ways you could never imagine. The walking trail from the parking lot to the lighthouse will only take about 15 minutes to travel, but I spent nearly 45 minutes snapping photos of the dramatic coast below. The lighthouse itself is small, and a minor subplot to the view beyond, but don't pass it by too quickly. Before you head out, be sure to walk the short trail to the inexplicable Octopus Tree, which also offers its own unforgettable ocean view. Pro tip: follow the roadside signs to Tillamook, and then to the Cape Meares Lighthouse, instead of using Google Maps. Cell service disappears the further you get from Hwy 101, so don't rely on it to get to your destination. Cape Meares is a breathtaking experience, and not to be missed if you're visiting the Oregon coast.

Some things just break your heart and hearing about the vandalism that occurred at this Oregon landmark is certainly one of them. The shooting that damaged the red Fresnel lens and closed the upper tower to visitors is nothing short of senseless and tragic. It also reminds me of this classic song performed by Sting: Roxanne You don't have to put on the red light Those days are over You don't have to sell your body to the night -------- I loved you since I knew you I wouldn't talk down to you I have to tell you just how I feel I won't share you with another boy I know my mind is made up So put away your make up Told you once I won't tell you again It's a bad way Unlike Sting, I'll gladly share this beautiful place with all visitors on the Three Capes Drive. Although the upper tower has been closed to prevent further damage to the lens (http://www.capemeareslighthouse.org/html/news_and_events.html), visiting the lighthouse is still a wonderful experience. There is no charge for parking and this location provides beautiful views of the coastline. Keep in mind that the lower level of the lighthouse and gift shop are only open for limited hours (11a - 4p from April through October). You can also schedule a private tour and perhaps you'll run into a ghost. There is a long(ish) straight sloping path to the lighthouse with benches and viewpoints along the way. You can also take the less traveled path on the southern side. I typically make a loop so I get to enjoy all the views. While there you should also visit the Octopus Tree. Written a year ago, my rating would be five stars, but I need to remove a star since the experience is no longer what it was. Here is a heartbreaking photo of the lens prior to the vandalism: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/oregon_state_police_arrest_two.html

Shortest ighthouse ever. Cape Meares is a good half hour from the Tillamook Cheese Factory but the drive to and from Cape Meares is great! There are plenty of FREE parking spaces at the trailhead that will lead you to the lighthouse. The parking lot has a nicely decorated sign board for your photo op. There is a very easy, very short hike (more like a walk, really) from the park to the lighthouse. On the way, you will go through "the woods" with vista points that open up to the edge of the cliff and allow you to get a very good panoramic vista of the Oregon coast. Very beautiful. There was a park ranger, I don't know if that is the official title of the park workers here, that was pointing out the whale that was migrating at this time. This is very good and very helpful especially for people like me who don't know what to look for. The trail loops around the perimeter of the cape cliff and will land you right back at the parking lot. Cross the parking lot and go inland a bit more (by foot) and you will find the public restroom. Continue on that trail that landed you by the restroom and you will see Octopus Tree. Apparently held sacred by the local Native American tribe that used to inhabit the area. Very large, very cool, and very photogenic. Picnic areas are available. Great if you want to burn some calories and run, hike or just walk around for a while.

There is no phone service here, yay! Located in Tillamook County in Oceanside, OR you will find this little gem of a lighthouse. After arriving in Oceanside, you will want to take a right up the hill to this lighthouse. The road going up and near the top can be a bit rough with lots of potholes and gravel, rocks. The road is paved though. This road is generally closed in the late fall/ winter due to the snow and ice. When you get to the top there is a dead end and you will see the signage for the Cape Meares lighthouse. There is a little drive to get to the lighthouse from the main road. Again, caution should be used, as it is a narrow road. Upon arriving, there is a big parking lot with a bathroom and a little visitor's information area. When we visited in autumn 2017, we had the place to ourselves and it was very windy. Past the parking area there is a viewing platform, which gives a great view of the coastline and ocean. There is a paved trail leading to the lighthouse. The walk was easy and not very far. There is a slight incline though so walking back was fun. At the end of the trial is the Cape Meares lighthouse along with a great view of the ocean and coastline. Coming back up I would recommend walking up the trail to the right instead of going back the main path. This will give you a difference view of the Oceanside Beach. There is also a cool looking octopus tree situated in the opposite direction of the lighthouse just past the bathrooms. There are also several viewing platforms that gives a great view of the Ocean and surrounding area. The views here are spectacular and we got to see the sun setting. Just bring a jacket, as it is very windy and cold here!

Nice spot that is worth the drive and walking. Phenomenal views and easy to access. Great place for pictures.

An amazing place. Lovely lighthouse, great ocean views.

The views here are amazing but the lighthouse was closed and according to the sign was because of winter....it was August. Well worth the short drive for the scenery alone. Excellent place to bring a picnic lunch

The entire coast was shrouded in fog the day of our visit, but we took the short loop walk down to the lighthouse where we had a nice view of the rocky coastline.

One of our last stops before leaving the area, we got a wee bit lost and thought this one trail led all the way down to the lighthouse. While there was some awesome trees and we met a sweet puppers, the first trail dead ended and we headed back up. Alas, we did end up finding the right road and excited that we didn't have to walk so far from the parking lot that did lead down to the lighthouse. It is very picturesque here with various viewpoints. They were painting the lighthouse that day while we pointed at various things we assumed were giant behemoths just below the surface. While we didn't see any whales, we met a few more puppers and got a good hike back up the trail to the lighthouse. I'm sure this is an excellent spot to watch the sunset or actually see whales during migration season!

One of my absolute favorite spots on the Oregon Coast. Such a beautiful view and great place to whale watch during the migration season.

Beyond beautiful, We continue to camp and sight see the beautiful on the Oregon coast!!

The drive to get to the lighthouse is easy from Tillamook, but you will want to make several stops along the way to capture pictures of the lush dairyland and Tillamook Bay as you work your way around it. As you round the cape, you'll find yourself face to face with pounding waves, rocky beaches covered with aged driftwood, sheer cliffs, sea birds, and maybe even a whale or sea lion in the distance. It's a magnificent drive, and not too far. There are more beautiful, statuesque lighthouses than this, but this one is fairly easy to walk to, unless you are old. You say you don't mind ? Let me clarify. The pathway is straight, well paved, and downhill. The hike down to the lighthouse (.2 of a mile) has it's stop off points that will seduce you into thinking its not so bad, until you turn around and have to walk up again. But old rubber knee'd one, do go. You should see those spectacular views. There are restrooms near the parking area, but you'll need your hiking shoes for this journey too. The pathway is steep and not for the weak hearted. You will be thankful you get to sit down when you finally arrive. But then, if you are a young whipper snapper, eh, it's a walk in the park.

What's not to like? -FREE -open til dusk -restrooms near the parking lot -they have a picnic area -numerous trails -great views for sightseeing -AND they have the Octopus Tree!

You must stop here. Walking through the old growth forest to the lighthouse and then viewing this historic light is well worth the detour off Hwy 101.

We passed through Netarts, where I celebrated the true millenium back in 2001. Actually, I spent the stroke of midnight wasted with liquor and stoned out of my mind from my freinds' medicinal brownies that got me pitifully looping munchies in a mean and vicious cycle. Hugging the toilet, I vowed never again to be this messed up. Strangers got me back to my cabin and the following morning I was scrubing cleaner into carpet and praying the stink would vaporize. Yes, the last memories of Mr. Class Act, burned forever into memory. Netarts and I will always have an unsettled understanding. We made our way to Cape Meares Lighthouse and the Octopus Tree. I remember concluding my visit here, 9 years ago, and bidding friends farewell, so I knew our coastal wine trip was coming to a close. The weather was chilly and the winds wipped through my light sweater. But the sight of the lighthouse was somewhat warming and brought a sense of flash in a dimming day. The view was spectacular! Just as I had left it, sweeping oceanic majesty. Memories crept of past friends sharing this view. Younger, wiser, wide-eyed with promise. Good times, all conjured by the sea. We took a short stroll to view the peculiar Octopus Tree, that in many ways resemble a menorah. The last thing I could imagine encountering at this part of the trip. Anyhow, what an amazing act of Nature. Moments like these, I'm convinced that God must be a comedian. Hmm, I wonder if he likes brownies?

It's beautiful BUT I worn you...it's a bit of a hike to the lighthouse from the parking lot. If you have someone with you that has a hard time walking, please don't take them here. There is a pretty good incline walking there and walking back. Also, the internet doesn't work very well when you get up in the mountains so you'll have to look for signs to get to the lighthouse. It's beautiful and off my bucket list.

If you're visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Cape Meares is just another 15 minute drive around the bay. It's definitely worth it. It's beautiful on a sunny day, and the little lighthouse gleams along the coast. Not very crowded when I went on a Saturday afternoon, and the views from the cliffs were just breathtaking. The cool rock formations sitting in the sparkling Pacific Ocean...ahhh...

It was cloudy today when I went to the light house but it was worth it. I tried using the directions from the yelp map but yelp doesn't really have the address so in the gps you should put 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Cape Meares, OR 97141. Don't forget to stop by the octopus tree. You can view the light house seven days a week but if you want the whole experience they are open 11-4 Thursday to Sunday.

Visited this area yesterday and had a wonderful time with my wife. We enjoyed the short walk to the light house. Reading about the wildlife and history surrounding the light house. We were a little disappointed that we had just missed the tour of the lighthouse that closes at 1600hrs during most of the week. The view was absolutely stunning to gaze at, and along the way we seen two fawns grazing was a big highlight for us! Spent about 30 - 45 mins here, and was well worth the drive. Recommend bringing a small jacket the wind was a little chilly.

Cape Meares (and the lighthouse thereon) is a real treat if you are out Tillamook/Oceanside/Netarts way. Very cool stuff. I have some sad news to update, however. Towards the middle of January 2010, someone(s) vandalized the lighthouse, shooting out some of the windows as well as the lens. Apparently, there was about $500,000 worth of damage done. It is very sad. http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/vandalism_does_more_than_50000.html http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/oregon_state_police_arrest_two.html All that said, the view from the lookout-platform right by the parking lot is very, very cool. So is the view from the lighthouse location, especially looking south towards Oceanside--incredible views. Highly recommended.

Definitely worth a stop if around Oceanside. Great lighthouse; see the Octopus Tree; hike the trails meandering through old growth forest; check out the spectacular ocean views.

Seems ridiculous to review a lighthouse. Gives off light? Check. Guess it does it's job then. But in all seriousness, there's a quick and lovely hike all around here (I have a toddler) and the view is spectacular. There are tons of signs pointing out where to see wildlife as well as information about said wildlife/the area. There's an octopus tree and I was all 'wth is that and why would I go see it' but I'm so glad we did because it took five extra seconds and was pretty damn cool. Also, this whole attraction is FREE, so what else do you want?

Super fun, beautiful, great stop for our first lighthouse tour. Kids have to be 40 in tall to go into lighthouse

A beautiful lighthouse and the grounds were well kept also. Unfortunately for us it was heavily raining. But we still enjoyed ourselves. We also visited the octopus tree -- wow! Now I can say that I've seen an octopus tree!!!

The lighthouse isn't particularly easy to get to what with the winding road that is Highway 131 and the road on the other side being closed. It is, however, in a most scenic area and the lighthouse itself is very picturesque. We had a lovely afternoon there, got some great pictures. It is just a short hike from the parking lot DOWN to the lighthouse and a seemingly longer hike back UP to the parking lot.

My husband and I made a short trip to Tillamook. Mostly to tour the cheese factory, which I have already reviewed and concluded that I was a bit disappointed. However, the Cape Meares Lighthouse and views made the two-hour drive worth every penny of gasoline we spent. The views are amazing. It honestly doesn't matter which way you are looking because the view will be amazing. This is my first lighthouse that I have ever seen in person. Let's be honest here, I'm from the East Coast and our "coasts" are pretty much people-packed, condominiums and go-carts every where. No lighthouses. Back to the review though, so it was much, much tinier than what I thought. I have always pictured these HUGE, 500-stairs-to-get-to-the-top lighthouses. I was actually kinda glad that it only had about 30 stairs to the top though. There is a little gift shop in the entrance. They sell basic gift stuff, coffee mugs, magnets, T-shirts, but they also take names every half-hour for 10 minute tours. Make sure you leave enough time to put your name down if you want to tour it. I'm so glad we went here. It was amazing! Oh, make sure you check out the Octopus Tree. It's only a short hike the opposite way.

Great stop along the scenic drive. Ok so being from Texas we don't get to see too many lighthouses. Also our drive along the coast is very different scenery. This place is beautiful. It has a few trails leading off in different directions to go exploring. I went on the one to go up to the "octopus tree." This tree is something to see, it's a Sitka tree if I remember right. There are no words to describe all the beauty in nature but at this point by this tree and then lookout and see the ocean and coast....well speechless is probably the best description for how this spot leaves you. -It's worth taking the time to stop and smell the roses if you're the outside type, or a great picture opp for the rest.

There's a great running route hidden at this lighthouse. Head up to the octopus tree and keep going on the trails!

Gorgeous views -- make sure to check out the Octopus Tree and the Lighthouse!