CAPE MEARES STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT & WILDLIFE REFUGE
A must-see when driving the Three Capes Scenic route, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is situated on a headland 200 feet above the ocean. Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda are the other two capes on this route. Cape Meares provides an excellent view of the largest colony of nesting common murres (the site is one of the most populous colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent). Bald eagles and a peregrine falcon have also been known to nest near here.
The park features tours of an 1890s lighthouse, the Sallie Jacobson Interpretive kiosk and interpretive panels at key viewpoints. Cape Meares has over 3 miles of hiking trails and a mile-long walking trail that winds through old-growth spruce trees (including the uniquely-shaped Octopus Tree). In winter and spring, this park is an excellent location for viewing whale migrations.
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Open daily April 1-Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. The base of the lighthouse tower will be open. Both upper levels will be closed. Vandalism in early 2010 damaged the historic Fresnel lens.
This lighthouse doesn't offer many stories of peril like its sister lighthouses on the Oregon coast.
On January 1, 1890 Cape Meares was lit by Anthony Miller (the first principal keeper) and his two assistants. At this time, the lighthouse consisted of a fire-wick kerosene lamp and an eight-paneled lens that had both red and clear panels to create a red flash every minute. Cape Meares' light could be seen for 21 miles.
The story of Cape Meares reads much like "Little House on the Prairie." A number of families took care of this lighthouse through its years. Cape Meares Lighthouse experienced weddings, childbirth, and one death. A keeper, and new father, by the name of George Hunt became sick and died from severe pneumonia on July 10, 1903. While tending a lighthouse may seem like a fun job, it comes with a price. Most lighthouses, including Cape Meares, were a good distance and difficult journey from the rest of civilization.
In 1963 the original lens was replaced by a flashing light. The lighthouse no longer needed someone's careful eye. A few years after this, the Oregon State Parks took control of the area. You can now view the lighthouse by visiting Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The parking lot you will use was once the keeper's dwelling and barn. The path you follow down to the lighthouse is the same path that the keepers once used.
A must-see when driving the Three Capes Scenic route, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is situated on a headland 200 feet above the ocean. Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda are the other two capes on this route. Cape Meares provides an excellent view of the largest colony of nesting common murres (the site is one of the most populous colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent). Bald eagles and a peregrine falcon have also been known to nest near here.
The park features tours of an 1890s lighthouse, the Sallie Jacobson Interpretive kiosk and interpretive panels at key viewpoints. Cape Meares has over 3 miles of hiking trails and a mile-long walking trail that winds through old-growth spruce trees (including the uniquely-shaped Octopus Tree). In winter and spring, this park is an excellent location for viewing whale migrations.
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Open daily April 1-Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. The base of the lighthouse tower will be open. Both upper levels will be closed. Vandalism in early 2010 damaged the historic Fresnel lens.
This lighthouse doesn't offer many stories of peril like its sister lighthouses on the Oregon coast.
On January 1, 1890 Cape Meares was lit by Anthony Miller (the first principal keeper) and his two assistants. At this time, the lighthouse consisted of a fire-wick kerosene lamp and an eight-paneled lens that had both red and clear panels to create a red flash every minute. Cape Meares' light could be seen for 21 miles.
The story of Cape Meares reads much like "Little House on the Prairie." A number of families took care of this lighthouse through its years. Cape Meares Lighthouse experienced weddings, childbirth, and one death. A keeper, and new father, by the name of George Hunt became sick and died from severe pneumonia on July 10, 1903. While tending a lighthouse may seem like a fun job, it comes with a price. Most lighthouses, including Cape Meares, were a good distance and difficult journey from the rest of civilization.
In 1963 the original lens was replaced by a flashing light. The lighthouse no longer needed someone's careful eye. A few years after this, the Oregon State Parks took control of the area. You can now view the lighthouse by visiting Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The parking lot you will use was once the keeper's dwelling and barn. The path you follow down to the lighthouse is the same path that the keepers once used.
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It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to this lighthouse and park. There is no charge to visit, and the view of the Pacific Ocean from high above is majestic. You will also find the "Octopus Tree" nearby. This is another terrific attraction in the area. This tree is a giant Sitka Spruce that is 50 feet in circumference, and has six limbs that are 12-feet around. The park service is not sure if this tree grew naturally this way, or as they suspect, was sculpted into this position by Native Americans.
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