Cape Meares Trails
Cape Meares headland is home to several trails of varying difficulty that pass through the 138-acre Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint.
Wildlife Refuge Trail
Begin at the Big Spruce Trailhead. There is a small parking area here, where Lighthouse Drive branches off Bayshore Drive. Bearing right from the trailhead, the refuge trail descends .8 miles, ending at Cape Meares beach and the community of Cape Meares. Please note that access to the beach from the trail is limited at high tide.
Big Spruce Trail
From the Big Spruce Trailhead, take the fork to the left .2 miles to see the state’s largest Sitka spruce, approximately 700 to 800 years old. The Big Spruce stands 144 feet tall, is 48 feet in circumference, and reaches 15 1/2 feet in diameter.
Lighthouse Trail
Travel .5 miles down Lighthouse Drive from the Big Spruce Trailhead to the Cape Meares Light Trailhead. Here you can see seabirds and raptors from the viewing deck to the right of the trail, before descending the .2 mile paved trail to Cape Meares Lighthouse. Return to the trailhead by way of the narrow, fenced trail along the south side of the cape, which offers stunning views of the Three Arch Rocks.
Octopus Tree Trail
Across the parking area from the lighthouse trail, pass the restrooms then continue on .1 mile to the famous Octopus Tree, another notable Sitka spruce. The trail continues behind the Octopus Tree for .4 miles to connect with Bayshore Drive.