{"id":424,"date":"2020-03-14T00:00:48","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T21:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/100steps.info\/?p=424"},"modified":"2020-03-14T00:00:48","modified_gmt":"2020-03-13T21:00:48","slug":"cape-meares-state-scenic-viewpoint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thisamericandream.com\/cape-meares-state-scenic-viewpoint\/","title":{"rendered":"Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Part of the Three Capes Loop, which also includes Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers stunning views of the ocean, Oregon coast line and rock formations, and a vast expanse of the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My husband and I visited on an absolutely stellar day in November. Clear and sunny, with virtually no wind \u2013 you really appreciate days like that when you can get them in Oregon. The half dozen other park visitors we encountered were all in good spirits due to the fantastic (and unexpected!) weather. I even took off my jacket as I enjoyed the southern view while my husband went to check out the Octopus Tree and lighthouse on his own. I spent the time gulping in the fresh air and devouring the view. It turned out it was the \u201ccalm before the storm\u201d, and we experienced very different weather the next day (which was enjoyable in an entirely different way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is actually situated near a cliff edge. Although this viewpoint is beautifully laid out, with a wonderful system of walking paths, benches and informative signs, some of the attractions are not accessible for those with limited mobility. This includes the Octopus Tree (which is up a VERY steep hill, and is farther than 200 steps), most of the walking paths, and even the Cape Meares Lighthouse (see below for more information on this). There are still some great destinations at this Scenic Viewpoint with a low step count and manageable terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love lighthouses?
Check out the\u00a0Oregon Coast Lighthouse Roundup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West viewing deck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

75 Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"cape-meares-state-scenic-viewpoint-2569297\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This viewpoint offers a view of many miles of the Pacific ocean. Portions of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (in other words, some interesting rock formations in the water\u2026) are visible just off shore from the high cliff. Signage describes that birds nest in the cliffs visible to the north during the spring and other birds, including the once endangered peregrine falcon, are active at all times of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like a longer journey on foot you can walk between the west and south viewing decks.\u00a0If you do, you can pass through the welcome kiosk, which includes a collection of informative signs describing the area.\u00a0The route between the decks (including the kiosk) has no seating, though, so if you need to rest plan to use the viewing deck benches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South viewing deck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

25 Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This viewpoint offers a stunning view of the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, the coastline south and Cape Lookout. The rock formations are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. If you\u2019re visiting any part of the Three Capes Loop, this is a must-see stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like a longer journey on foot you can walk between the south and west viewing decks.\u00a0If you do, you can pass through the welcome kiosk, which includes a collection of informative signs describing the area.\u00a0The route between the decks (including the kiosk) has no seating, though, so if you need to rest plan to use the viewing deck benches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cape Meares Lighthouse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

200+ Steps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I debated whether or not this should be a destination. The literature on Cape Meares indicates the distance to the Cape Meares Lighthouse is .2 miles. I was not walking well on the day we visited, so I did not attempt to reach the lighthouse. I believe I could have made it to the part of the trail that looks down on the lighthouse\u2026but the return was up hill. The incline coupled with the distance was enough to dissuade me from the attempt. Looking back, though, I wish I had tried it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to see a portion of the lighthouse without traversing the hill, you can actually stand in the parking lot between the two paths that converge to head to the lighthouse (at the topmost part of the \u201cY\u201d). You can then see the top of the lighthouse through the tunnel of trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n