The lighthouses on the Oregon coast are popular destinations for visitors, and it’s not hard to see why. The lights themselves are beautiful, and they’re set against some of Oregon’s most spectacular scenery. There’s one light on the coast that has particularly stunning views. If you haven’t been there for awhile, here’s a reminder:

Cape Mears has some of the most stunning scenic views along the coast. You’ll find it on the Three Capes Scenic Loop in Tillamook.

ki0ki/Tripadvisor Address: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR ,97141

Before you head down the trail to the lighthouse, check out the viewpoint on the north end of the parking lot.

Jimmy G/Google You’ll see a sheer cliff to your right, and an island rock out in front of you. Watch the waves crash into the little cove below, and use your binoculars to get a close-up view of the sea birds. The common murres who nest here make up a community that’s the one of the largest in North America.

Start your stroll down to the lighthouse, through the tunnel of trees. Along the way, you’ll find several viewpoints to your right. Take time to check them out - the views to the north are beautiful.

Andy Nokikov/Google

At the first viewpoint along the trail, you’ll get a better view of the huge cliff to the north.

Brandon Strohl/Google You’ll spot many more nesting birds, and might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or peregrine falcon.

Once you reach the light, you’ll have 180-degree views of the ocean. Keep an eye out for whales.

Elise Tiessen/Google

Of course, the lighthouse itself is pretty picturesque, too.

Jim Getchell/Google The lighthouse was completed in 1887. Perched on the cliff 217 feet above the sea, it stands 38 feet tall.

From the lighthouse, take the path to your left to follow the cape along the south side. You’ll have some excellent views of Three Arch Rocks in the distance.

Dmitry Akhmetov/Google

Elise Tiessen/Google

You’ll also appreciate the scenery of Oceanside State Recreation Site below.

Srivathsan Jagannathan/Google

If you have a pair of binoculars, you’ll definitely want to bring them along on this lighthouse walk. If you don’t, bring a few quarters and pop them into the viewers for some closer views.

Shawn Petrucci/Google

As you near the top of the hill, you’ll be able to turn off to the left to return to the parking lot, or keep going south to a trail that takes you through a forested area to the Octopus Tree.

M01229/flickr The Octopus Tree is a 100-foot tall sitka spruce that has grown in a most unusual way. here to read our feature article about this interesting tree. From here, you’ll continue on the path that winds back to the upper portion of the parking lot.

When’s the last time you visited Cape Mears? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments! Learn more about the Cape Mears Scenic Viewpoint and its lighthouse on the Oregon State Parks website.

ki0ki/Tripadvisor

Address: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR ,97141

Jimmy G/Google

You’ll see a sheer cliff to your right, and an island rock out in front of you. Watch the waves crash into the little cove below, and use your binoculars to get a close-up view of the sea birds. The common murres who nest here make up a community that’s the one of the largest in North America.

Andy Nokikov/Google

Brandon Strohl/Google

You’ll spot many more nesting birds, and might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or peregrine falcon.

Elise Tiessen/Google

Jim Getchell/Google

The lighthouse was completed in 1887. Perched on the cliff 217 feet above the sea, it stands 38 feet tall.

Dmitry Akhmetov/Google

Srivathsan Jagannathan/Google

Shawn Petrucci/Google

M01229/flickr

The Octopus Tree is a 100-foot tall sitka spruce that has grown in a most unusual way. here to read our feature article about this interesting tree. From here, you’ll continue on the path that winds back to the upper portion of the parking lot.

While you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out Cape Lookout, which was the site of a terrible tragedy during World War II.

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