Cape Meares – Tillamook Oregon
Amidst the beauty that can be found at the Cape Mears Scenic Viewpoint, visitors will also find a tiny wonder known as the Cape Mears Lighthouse. This truly unique lighthouse was built in 1889 and proudly bears the title of the shortest lighthouse in Oregon. At only 38-feet-tall, the Cape Mears Lighthouse may not be colossal in size, but it is a delightful sight to see nonetheless. Visitors and especially lighthouse collectors will find it impossibly difficult to pass up the interpretive gift shop that accompanies the Cape Mears Lighthouse. Admission to the lighthouse is free and it is handicap accessible, although visitors should be advised that the trail up from the lighthouse is moderately steep.
Before leaving the park, take the short trail that leads to the enormous Sitka spruce known as the Octopus Tree. The 50-foot base of this peculiar shaped tree branches upward and has taken on tentacle like qualities. Once serving as an Indian ceremonial tree, the giant Sitka spruce is believed to have been purposely shaped this way during its formative years. As one of the great wonders of the world, the Octopus Tree is a must-see historical site. The tree is located approximately 600 feet from the Cape Mears Scenic Viewpoint. The park is free and open daily from 7am-dusk.
