Cape Meares Lighthouse
Cape Meares Light, 1890. Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office
Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, but the beam from its first order Fresnel lens once reached 21 miles out to sea. The lighthouse began operation in 1890 and was decommissioned in 1963.
Legendary Trees
Cape Meares is home to two famous trees: Oregon's largest Sitka Spruce and the Octopus Tree. The “Big Spruce” stands 144 feet tall and has a crown spread of 93 feet, and is approximately 800 years old. The Octopus Tree has no central trunk but rather multiple trunks reaching upwards from its 50-foot base. Both landmark trees are accessible by short hikes through old-growth coastal forest.
Wildlife Refuge
The Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge protects old-growth coastal forest of Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. In addition, the 15-acre Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is visible offshore. The first national wildlife refuge west of the Mississippi, Three Arch Rocks was established in 1907 and is home to Oregon’s largest seabird nesting colony.
Scenic Capes
If Cape Meares has you longing for more, head south on the Three Capes Scenic Drive and experience Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda as well. From headland hikes to sand dune strolls, from clamming and camping to brew pub sampling, the Three Capes offer a diverse sampling of Oregon Coast experiences.