Fodor's Expert Review Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

On the northern tip of the Three Capes Loop, this small but spectacular park and vista is the site of the restored Cape Meares Lighthouse, built in 1890 and open to the public May through September (the grounds are open year-round). It provides a sweeping view from a 200-foot-tall cliff to the caves and sea lion rookery on the rocks below, and this is a great perch for seeing whales during their migrations. A many-trunked Sitka spruce known as the Octopus Tree grows near the lighthouse parking lot.