Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- stateparks.oregon.gov(503) 842-3182
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is a scenic site in Tillamook County, about 7 miles west of Tillamook.
The park supports wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking.
Pets
Pets must be physically restrained (held or on a leash no longer than six feet) except in designated off-leash areas or inside a vehicle, tent or pet-friendly yurt/cabin; owners pick up after pets.
Statewide rule from Oregon's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
'Oregon State Parks waives day-use parking fees at more than 150 parks'. Campers' receipts count as a permit. Oregon Coast Passports sold in 2026 are not accepted.
Statewide fee rule from Oregon's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Oregon park passes
- 12-month day-use parking permit — $60 Oregon residents; $75 non-residents. Day-use parking at parks that require a day-use parking permit Details
- Daily parking permit — $10 per day per vehicle (residents); $12 (non-residents). Parking for the day at any state park that requires a day-use parking permit Details
From the Oregon state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 800-452-5687
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Cabins and lodging
- Cape Meares Lighthouse
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Cape Meares Lighthouse may be the shortest on the Oregon coast, but it features an impressive, kerosene-powered lens. First lit on Jan. 1, 1890, the first order Fresnel lens was one of the most powerful and largest of its day. Mariners could spot the distinctive red-and-white flashes from more than 21 miles away.
A paved 0.2-mile path leads from the main parking area to the lighthouse, passing many viewpoints and interpretive panels along the way. Service animals are permitted in the gift shop.
The Cape Meares Lighthouse and gift shop are open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily between Memorial Day and Sept. 30. In the winter season, the lighthouse is closed but the grounds remain open.
Tower tours: Limited to 5 visitors per tour during open hours. No reservations.
For more information about Cape Meares, visit the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse website.
Things to do
Wildlife viewing and birdingHikingPicnicking
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Picnic areas
- Nature center or museum
- Parking
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
This page offers images of Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint with descriptions of accessible areas. Our hope is that this information will help you as you plan your trip here and that you can determine whether the park's facilities meets your accessibility needs.
Accessible amenities: Wildlife, Exhibit Information, Hiking Trails, Viewpoint
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Nearest town
- Tillamook — about 7 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 45.4886, -123.9652
- Phone
- (503) 842-3182
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Oregon State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 13, 2026
- Oregon State Parks park finder JSON (services/park.cfc?method=getAll), used by the Find a Park page
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology