Cape Meares Lighthouse and Octopus Tree Trail

The main trails are generally considered easy and accessible. The path to the Cape Meares Lighthouse is a paved 0.2-mile loop with a gradual downhill grade, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The Octopus Tree Trail is an unpaved dirt path, but it's flat and even for its 0.1-mile length from the parking area, also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Some areas might be muddy after rain, and you should watch out for raised roots on the Octopus Tree Trail.

The primary attractions are the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon's shortest lighthouse, and the unique Octopus Tree, an ancient Sitka spruce with a distinctive candelabra shape. You'll also find panoramic ocean views and towering cliffs at the View of Rock Formations at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, which are excellent for spotting seabirds and potentially whales.

There is a main parking lot available at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, which provides direct access to both the Lighthouse and Octopus Tree trails. From the parking area, the trails are easily reachable.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The trails are enjoyable year-round. Early summer is particularly beautiful when wild roses and salal are in bloom. For whale watching, the ocean is often calmer in spring and fall. Winter offers a dramatic coastal experience, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on the unpaved sections of the Octopus Tree Trail.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint or its trails. It is free to visit and enjoy the natural beauty.

The area is a protected habitat, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Along the coast, look for seabirds like tufted puffins, cormorants, and common murres on the sea stacks. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, Steller sea lions, California sea lions, and harbor seals. During migration seasons, you might even spot whales from the viewpoints.

Yes, the lower level of the Cape Meares Lighthouse is typically open to the public during the summer months. It's a great opportunity to see its historic kerosene-powered Fresnel lens up close.

The Octopus Tree is an ancient Sitka spruce, estimated to be 250 to 300 years old. Its distinctive candelabra shape features limbs that extend horizontally before turning upward, giving it the appearance of having no central trunk. The exact cause of its unusual form is debated, with theories ranging from natural events to Native Americans bending its branches for ceremonial purposes or as a trail marker.

Yes, beyond the main Lighthouse and Octopus Tree trails, the Cape Meares area features several miles of additional hiking trails. For instance, a moderately difficult, 1.5-mile (one way) Cape Meares Beach Trail winds through old-growth forest to the sandy beach. The Wildlife Refuge Trail also descends 0.8 miles to Cape Meares beach, though beach access can be limited at high tide.