Cape Meares Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast
~ This entry was posted on September 24, 2009
Oregon Coast Cape Meares Lighthouse
Going south from Tillamook Head lighthouse you will find my favorite lighthouse near Cape Meares Oregon. The Oregon State parks system runs the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint that is located 10 miles west of Tillamook Oregon. The beach is nearby in the Oceanside/Netarts area where you can find some great ocean view vacation rentals to stay in while enjoying your tour.
The Cape Meares Lighthouse stands 217 feet above the ocean but the tower itself is only 38 feet tall. You can walk up the spiral staircase inside, it offers one of the easiest and closest views of a first-order Fresnel lens that you will find anywhere. After standing next to the glass panes that make the structure of the lens, you will realize the power of a lighthouse!
This park offers some of the most spectacular views to be seen anywhere along the Oregon Coast so plan on spending some extra time walking and observing the viewpoints overlooking the offshore islets where you will find nesting sea birds and stellar sea lions. Don’t forget to hike up the secondary trail to view the enormous arms of a unique tree called the “Octopus Tree” and just beyond it… yet another awesome coastline view!
Don’t forget to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory Visitor’s Center… take the self-guided tour, sample some cheese, enjoy ice cream on a fresh waffle cone watch the “cheese makers” in action upstairs.
Next up… let’s head south to visit “Yaquina Head” lighthouse just north of Newport Oregon.
~Thanks & have fun AT THE BEACH!
