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Member - U.S. Lighthouse Society
Associated with Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
Associated with Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge Mobile Website!
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is located 10 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon on the north end of the beautiful Three Capes Scenic Route. The park is open daily, throughout the year, from 7 am to dusk with no day use fee. The trail head to the Big Spruce, Oregon's largest Sitka Spruce, is located near the park entrance. Features within the park include Cape Meares Lighthouse, an informational kiosk, interesting viewpoints where visitors can view off-shore rocks for native birds and the annual whale migration, the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, nature trails, and the Octopus Tree, an Oregon Heritage Tree. A picnic area that can accommodate small groups is located adjacent to the parking area plus picnic tables are situated in the center of the parking circle.
Cape Meares Lighthouse is open daily April through October from 11 am to 4 pm. A wide, asphalt trail that is wheelchair accessible, provides easy access to the lighthouse. However, please be advised the steepness of the path makes the walk back to the parking lot seem twice as long for the person pushing the wheelchair.
Benches are conveniently located along the path to enjoy the scenery as well as an alternative return path to the south, where you may enjoy the scenery (or catch your breath).
Admittance to Cape Meares Lighthouse is free. An Interpretive Gift Shop is located in the previous work room of the lighthouse and features items related to lighthouses, the sea, wildlife, wild flowers and souvenirs to remember your visit to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Donations and proceeds from the Interpretive Shop are used to enhance the park.
Cape Meares Lighthouse is open daily April through October from 11 am to 4 pm. A wide, asphalt trail that is wheelchair accessible, provides easy access to the lighthouse. However, please be advised the steepness of the path makes the walk back to the parking lot seem twice as long for the person pushing the wheelchair.
Benches are conveniently located along the path to enjoy the scenery as well as an alternative return path to the south, where you may enjoy the scenery (or catch your breath).
Admittance to Cape Meares Lighthouse is free. An Interpretive Gift Shop is located in the previous work room of the lighthouse and features items related to lighthouses, the sea, wildlife, wild flowers and souvenirs to remember your visit to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Donations and proceeds from the Interpretive Shop are used to enhance the park.
Is there a ghost??? Find out when you visit.
For special events at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, please contact the park manager at Cape Lookout State Park
(503) 842-3182.
If you would like to learn more about Tillamook County, the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource.
Click here to visit their web site - www.tillamookchamber.org
For special events at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, please contact the park manager at Cape Lookout State Park
(503) 842-3182.
If you would like to learn more about Tillamook County, the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource.
Click here to visit their web site - www.tillamookchamber.org
History
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse History
Captain John Meares was the first to sail into Tillamook Bay, naming it Quick Sand Bay because of the mud at low tide. Captain Robert Gray was the first American on the scene and he called it Murderers Harbor because one of his crew was killed by natives there.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 and commissioned on January 1, 1890. The tower stands 38 feet high and is the shortest lighthouse in Oregon. It is constructed of bricks (made right on site at a cost of $2,900) with iron plates covering it. The original addition that now houses the interpretive shop was a work room built in 1895 - the current interpretive shop replaced the original work room in 1978.
The light was a five wick oil lamp with a reflector to increase the light. It was turned by a 200 pound lead weight that was wound by a system similar to a grandfather clock. It turned 2 ½ hours on one winding at a pace of 4 minutes per full revolution. The lens and iron housing weighed two tons complete. The two oil storage buildings held 3,240 gallons of oil in five gallon cans and were located east of the lighthouse. The walls were made 15 inches thick to protect the area from the danger of fire in the buildings.
The lens is a first order Fresnel (pronounced "Fraynel") lens made in Paris, France. It was shipped around Cape Horn, up the west coast to Cape Meares and then hauled 217 feet up the cliff by a wooden crane that was built from local timbers native to the area. It is an eight-sided lens with 4 primary lenses and 4 bull's-eye lenses with red panels covering the bull's-eye lenses. It produced about 30 seconds of fixed white light from the primary lens followed by a red flash of 5 seconds from the bull's-eye lens once every minute. This was the signature of Cape Meares Lighthouse. The primary lens produced 18,000 candlepower and the bull's-eye lens produced 160,000 candlepower. The light could be seen 21 nautical miles at sea.
The oil lamp was replaced in 1910 with an oil vapor light similar to the Coleman lanterns of today. This was replaced in 1934 with electricity produced by generators and eventually by central power. The light today is automated and produces 57,000 candle power. It is located in a building adjacent to the historic structure.
The keepers houses were located where the parking lot and kiosk are now situated. The houses cost $26,000 to build. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1963, stood vacant for a number of years and was heavily vandalized.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 and commissioned on January 1, 1890. The tower stands 38 feet high and is the shortest lighthouse in Oregon. It is constructed of bricks (made right on site at a cost of $2,900) with iron plates covering it. The original addition that now houses the interpretive shop was a work room built in 1895 - the current interpretive shop replaced the original work room in 1978.
The light was a five wick oil lamp with a reflector to increase the light. It was turned by a 200 pound lead weight that was wound by a system similar to a grandfather clock. It turned 2 ½ hours on one winding at a pace of 4 minutes per full revolution. The lens and iron housing weighed two tons complete. The two oil storage buildings held 3,240 gallons of oil in five gallon cans and were located east of the lighthouse. The walls were made 15 inches thick to protect the area from the danger of fire in the buildings.
The lens is a first order Fresnel (pronounced "Fraynel") lens made in Paris, France. It was shipped around Cape Horn, up the west coast to Cape Meares and then hauled 217 feet up the cliff by a wooden crane that was built from local timbers native to the area. It is an eight-sided lens with 4 primary lenses and 4 bull's-eye lenses with red panels covering the bull's-eye lenses. It produced about 30 seconds of fixed white light from the primary lens followed by a red flash of 5 seconds from the bull's-eye lens once every minute. This was the signature of Cape Meares Lighthouse. The primary lens produced 18,000 candlepower and the bull's-eye lens produced 160,000 candlepower. The light could be seen 21 nautical miles at sea.
The oil lamp was replaced in 1910 with an oil vapor light similar to the Coleman lanterns of today. This was replaced in 1934 with electricity produced by generators and eventually by central power. The light today is automated and produces 57,000 candle power. It is located in a building adjacent to the historic structure.
The keepers houses were located where the parking lot and kiosk are now situated. The houses cost $26,000 to build. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1963, stood vacant for a number of years and was heavily vandalized.
News/Events
Cape Meares Loop Road -- The road closure continues in 2014 between Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and the town of Cape Meares. Entrance to the park is via SR 131 out Third Street in Tillamook, through Netarts and then follow the signs at Oceanside to the park.
Photo Contest Winners for 2013 are: Robert Reed (Netarts, OR) - 1st Place, Ginny Brown (Leonia, NJ) 2nd Place, Santos O. Fultze (Coos Bay, OR) 2nd Place, Mahogany Aulenbach (Monroe, OR) 2nd and 3rd Places and Kathleen Otto (Leeds, UT) two 3rd Places. Over 80 entries received!
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint & National Wildlife Refuge is open 365 days a year. 7 a.m. to dusk. The end of an era came to the light at Cape Meares when the Coast Guard removed the automated light on June 25, 2014.
Cape Meares Lighthouse is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Please check our Facebook page for updates and monthly specials. We look forward to seeing you at Oregon's shortest lighthouse.
Photo Contest Winners for 2013 are: Robert Reed (Netarts, OR) - 1st Place, Ginny Brown (Leonia, NJ) 2nd Place, Santos O. Fultze (Coos Bay, OR) 2nd Place, Mahogany Aulenbach (Monroe, OR) 2nd and 3rd Places and Kathleen Otto (Leeds, UT) two 3rd Places. Over 80 entries received!
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint & National Wildlife Refuge is open 365 days a year. 7 a.m. to dusk. The end of an era came to the light at Cape Meares when the Coast Guard removed the automated light on June 25, 2014.
Cape Meares Lighthouse is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Please check our Facebook page for updates and monthly specials. We look forward to seeing you at Oregon's shortest lighthouse.
Member - U.S. Lighthouse Society
Associated with Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
Associated with Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
Fresnel Lens
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Fresnel Lens
Classic Fresnel Design Dioptric Lens
Classic Fresnel Design Dioptric Lens
The lantern house surrounded a central bull's-eye lens with a series of concentric glass prismatic rings. By adding triangular prism sections above and below the main lens, it steepened the angle of incidence at which rays shining up and down (lost light) could be collected and made to emerge horizontally. All the collected light emerged through the bull's-eye as a narrow, horizontal pencil-like beam. This is known as the Fresnel catadioptric system.
Fresnel designed different size apparatus for different requirements for different lighthouses. They were designated First (1st) through Sixth (6th) Order and varied in size from 72 7/16 inches (1st Order) down to 11 3/16 inches (6th Order) inside diameter. Refer to our History page for additional information about the Cape Meares first order Fresnel lens.
Fresnel designed different size apparatus for different requirements for different lighthouses. They were designated First (1st) through Sixth (6th) Order and varied in size from 72 7/16 inches (1st Order) down to 11 3/16 inches (6th Order) inside diameter. Refer to our History page for additional information about the Cape Meares first order Fresnel lens.
Kiosk
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Kiosk
Features within the park include Cape Meares Lighthouse, an informational kiosk
Octopus Tree
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Octopus Tree
LEGEND OF THE OCTOPUS TREE
AT CAPE MEARES STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT
SITKA SPRUCE - (PICEA SITCHENSIS)
LEGEND OF THE OCTOPUS TREE
AT CAPE MEARES STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT
SITKA SPRUCE - (PICEA SITCHENSIS)
The Octopus Tree is a massive Sitka spruce with branches growing like giant tentacles from its 50-foot base. It is situated approximately 600 feet from the scenic viewpoint. The tree’s odd shape, according to local historians and Tillamook tribal descendants, comes not from the ravages of wind, as some have said, but from its function as a ceremonial site, shaped to hold cedar canoes and other ritual objects.
In earlier days, Oregon Coast activist Sam Boardman recognized the tree as one of several "Indian Ceremonial Trees" trained over time, a common practice of the Coast tribes. One of the many sacred evergreens on the North Coast, the Octopus Tree was specially venerated, probably serving as the gathering site for important Tillamook tribal rites.
Typical of such specially chosen trees, the branches of this spruce were forced downward toward a horizontal position when they were still flexible, finally extending about 16 feet from the base. When allowed to resume vertical growth, each branch reached skyward to more than 100 feet, creating the distinctive shape.
The Octopus Tree may be more than 250 years old. Once featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the tree has been described as one of the modern Wonders of the World. Over the years, this curious spruce has also borne the name Monstrosity Tree and Candelabra Tree, for obvious reasons. But it is persistently called the Council Tree, a place of reverence where elders once made decisions and where shamans performed ceremonies. Today the Octopus Tree is not only a historic site, but also a botanical wonder, the kind of tree that prompts tourists to make a sightseeing detour.
Text taken from the "Oregon Heritage Tree Spring 2009 Newsletter.
The Octopus Tree is located just several hundred feet south of the parking lot.
In earlier days, Oregon Coast activist Sam Boardman recognized the tree as one of several "Indian Ceremonial Trees" trained over time, a common practice of the Coast tribes. One of the many sacred evergreens on the North Coast, the Octopus Tree was specially venerated, probably serving as the gathering site for important Tillamook tribal rites.
Typical of such specially chosen trees, the branches of this spruce were forced downward toward a horizontal position when they were still flexible, finally extending about 16 feet from the base. When allowed to resume vertical growth, each branch reached skyward to more than 100 feet, creating the distinctive shape.
The Octopus Tree may be more than 250 years old. Once featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the tree has been described as one of the modern Wonders of the World. Over the years, this curious spruce has also borne the name Monstrosity Tree and Candelabra Tree, for obvious reasons. But it is persistently called the Council Tree, a place of reverence where elders once made decisions and where shamans performed ceremonies. Today the Octopus Tree is not only a historic site, but also a botanical wonder, the kind of tree that prompts tourists to make a sightseeing detour.
Text taken from the "Oregon Heritage Tree Spring 2009 Newsletter.
The Octopus Tree is located just several hundred feet south of the parking lot.
Trails/Viewing Areas
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Trails and Viewing
Click on image above to view PDF enlargement.
Oregon's Largest Sitka Spruce
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Stika Spruce
After a hurricane-force windstorm December 2, 2007 toppled the Klootchy Creek spruce, a new Oregon state champion was designated. The ‘Big Spruce’ is located in Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and is 144 feet high, 576 inches in circumference and has a crown spread of 90 feet by 88 feet.
The ‘Big Spruce’ shows all the hallmarks of coastal life - vigorous growth and numerous breakouts - and its top half was blown out, giving the tree a stout appearance. Its age is estimated between 750 and 800 years.
Parking is available near the entrance to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The ‘Big Spruce’ is visible after taking a short walk on a gravel path.
The ‘Big Spruce’ and the Octopus Tree’ are two different trees. Be sure to see both when you visit Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge.
The ‘Big Spruce’ shows all the hallmarks of coastal life - vigorous growth and numerous breakouts - and its top half was blown out, giving the tree a stout appearance. Its age is estimated between 750 and 800 years.
Parking is available near the entrance to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The ‘Big Spruce’ is visible after taking a short walk on a gravel path.
The ‘Big Spruce’ and the Octopus Tree’ are two different trees. Be sure to see both when you visit Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge.
Who We Are
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Who We Are
Who are the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge, Inc.? A group of dedicated people who care about the natural beauty and the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse. The Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge is a Cooperative Association partner with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Cooperating Associations, also known as "Friends Groups" are private 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations formed by citizens to provide and support the educational and interpretive services of the park. These organizations rely heavily on volunteer support in all areas of operation. Friends support state parks by operating museums and interpretive stores and providing additional educational programs at the park. Friends help support these projects by raising funds for park projects and historical renovations and building new park facilities. The Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge nonprofit status allows us to sell memberships, write grants, receive qualified donations and receive donated materials. For more information on OPRD’s Cooperative Association program, visit their website at
www.oregon.gov/OPRD/VOL.
Local members enjoy a group meeting every other month (beginning in February) with wonderful food, good fun, and sharing of ideas. Highlight of the October meeting is choosing the Photo Contest Winners. The nine member board meets every other month and conducts business meetings for the Friends group.
If you would like to learn more about the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge, Inc., please contact capemeareslighthouse@earthlink.net for additional information.
Please click here for a membership application!
www.oregon.gov/OPRD/VOL.
Local members enjoy a group meeting every other month (beginning in February) with wonderful food, good fun, and sharing of ideas. Highlight of the October meeting is choosing the Photo Contest Winners. The nine member board meets every other month and conducts business meetings for the Friends group.
If you would like to learn more about the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge, Inc., please contact capemeareslighthouse@earthlink.net for additional information.
Please click here for a membership application!
To promote and interpret the natural and historical qualities of Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
and Wildlife Refuge, thereby enhancing a significant cultural resource.
To assist in the development and implementation of improvements and educational programs at
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and Wildlife Refuge.
and Wildlife Refuge, thereby enhancing a significant cultural resource.
To assist in the development and implementation of improvements and educational programs at
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and Wildlife Refuge.
Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge, Inc.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Interpretive Shop
Welcome to Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse Interpretive Shop
Shop Manager
Jane Dunn
Jane Dunn
Inside Cape Meares Lighthouse is a small interpretive shop featuring books, clothing, collectibles, postcards and souvenirs to remember your visit to Oregon’s shortest lighthouse.
Inquiries or requests for merchandise may be e-mailed to: capemeareslighthouse@earthlink.net. We will reply with pricing (including shipping) and mail merchandise when your money order or personal check has been received (add 10 days for out-of-state checks to clear our bank).
Inquiries or requests for merchandise may be e-mailed to: capemeareslighthouse@earthlink.net. We will reply with pricing (including shipping) and mail merchandise when your money order or personal check has been received (add 10 days for out-of-state checks to clear our bank).
Map/Directions
From Tillamook, OR
Head south on Main Ave toward 4th St 236 ft
Take the 1st right onto 4th St 0.1 mi. Take the 2nd right onto Stillwell Ave 269 ft.Take the 1st left onto OR-131 W/3rd St Continue to follow OR-131 W 8.7 mi
Slight right onto Cape Meares Loop (signs for 3 Capes Scenic Route/Cape Meares State Park/Octopus Tree/Cape Meares) 1.2 mi
Continue onto Bayshore Dr 1.3 mi
Turn left onto Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr
Destination will be on the left 0.2 mi
Cape Meares State Park 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Cape Meares, OR 97141
Contact Us
Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse
PO Box 262
Netarts, OR 97143
PO Box 262
Netarts, OR 97143
