Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Fascinating Finds and Sights at Cape Meares, N. Oregon Coast

Published 12/05/2012


(Oceanside, Oregon) – About 10 miles of the town of Tillamook, at the northern edge of the Three Capes Loop, you'll find two Cape Meares. One is the actual cape itself, and the other is the tiny beach village named after the cape.


The headland known as Cape Meares is one of those in the Three Capes Loop, sitting about five miles north of the tiny village of Oceanside, and about 25 miles north of Pacific City. This cape provides easier viewpoint access than the other two: Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout. Several platforms and openings in the thick forest make for constant ocean vistas at this scenic favorite a few hundred feet above the ocean.

There's a lot to do in Cape Meares State Park, including a lighthouse, watching birds nesting and carousing on the cliffs, taking in some mammoth wave action, various trails, and a truly oddball tree called the Octopus Tree.


Look to the south and catch sight of the famed Three Arch Rocks of Oceanside – from a different angle. If you know what you're looking for, you can even see the highly secretive Short Beach and Lost Boy Beach from a distance. Also visible are the mini sea stacks that cap the end of that semi-secret beach beyond the tunnel at Oceanside.


Look to the north a bit and you'll see the cliffs of the headland that aren't accessible. But from the viewing platforms you can check out some incredible complex rocky objects in the sea stacks just offshore.

Here's a view of them much closer. If you're lucky you'll spot birds there or other wildlife.

Another favorite of Cape Meares is the Octopus Tree, an oddly shaped ancient Sitka Spruce that served as a burial place of sorts. This is how it got its candelabra shape, as apparently local tribes set their dead in their canoes in the limbs of the trees, and the limbs grew large and around those boats.


The Octopus Tree had for hundreds of years eight limbs, and was even featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not books in the mid 20th century. But in the 1990's, a particularly nasty storm tore off one of the limbs, now leaving seven.

The lighthouse is open to the public during the high season. A sizable parking lot allows a good deal of visitors, but fall – when the coast is at its warmest – is the best time of the year to visit. It's also quite stunning for wave action during storm events, but don't visit if the winds are too high. They can get enormous gusts into the 70's, 80's or 90's up there.

 

More About Pacific City, Oceanside, Netarts, Tierra Del Mar Lodging.....

More About Pacific City, Oceanside, Netarts, Tierra Del Mar Restaurants.....

A famous little family eatery where the seafood practically gets shuffled from the sea straight into your mouth. Soups and salads include many seafood specialties, including cioppino, chowders, crab Louie and cheese breads. Fish 'n' chips come w/ various fish. Seafood sandwiches with shrimp, tuna or crab, as well as burgers. Dinners like pan fried oysters, fillets of salmon or halibut, saut�ed scallops.
Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss
Pacific City, Oregon

 


Breathtaking high panoramic beach views from oceanfront rooms, spacious family suites & fully equipped cottages.  Known for gracious hospitality, the sparkling clean Sea Horse features a heated indoor pool, dramatic oceanfront spa, great whale watching, free deluxe continental breakfast, conference room, free casino shuttle & HBO.  Fireplaces, private decks and spas are available in select rooms.  Close to shops, golf, fishing & restaurants.  Pets are welcome in select rooms.  Senior discounts.  Kids 18 and under stay free in their parent's room.  Very attractive rates.
Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities.

 

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Hiking Hotspot Closes Briefly: Saddle Mountain Near Seaside, Hwy...
Closure from May 6 to 10, some lane closures on Hwy 26. Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria
Killer Whale Sightings Making Big Splash on Oregon Coast - And It's the Apex ...
It's the same line of transient orcas involved in the whale kill in 2023. Marine sciences
Getting Oregon Coast Stays on the 'Lowdown' - Where Lincoln City Cut Rates
Excellent Lincoln City specials abound. Lincoln City hotel reviews
Destructive, Invasive Crab Found on N. Oregon Coast, Officials Ask Public's Help
Chinese mitten crab was found near Astoria. Marine sciences
Two Oregon Coast Gigs Bring Fiddle Virtuosos and a Local Composer to Newport
Milo Graamans on May 13 at a special benefit; Fiddle Express on May 16. Newport events
South Oregon Coast Landmark Under the Knife: Bandon's Face Rock Viewpoint Clo...
Set to reopen on May 23, parking lot and restroom closed, Depoe Bay, Cape Foulweather. Travel tips
Surprise Oregon Coast Accesses at Yachats' Northern, Outer Edges
Glorious discoveries include where Yachats changes from sand to rock. Travel tips
Washington Coast Gets Another Green Light for Razor Clamming, April 26 - May 3
Long Beach, Copalis, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks. Washington events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

 

 

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details