Cape Meares, Oregon Town Guide | Lighthouse, Loop & Lazy Coastal Living

Welcome to Cape Meares, Oregon — a quiet, wooded, and utterly breathtaking community perched at the headland above Tillamook Bay's Three Capes Scenic Route. Home to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, the magnificent Octopus Tree, and miles of old-growth Sitka spruce forest, Cape Meares offers an extraordinary blend of natural wonder and coastal seclusion.

About Cape Meares, Oregon

Cape Meares is an unincorporated community in Tillamook County at the northernmost point of the Three Capes Scenic Route. The community occupies the upper portion of a dramatic headland that juts into the Pacific Ocean just west of Tillamook Bay. Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint — featuring the lighthouse, Octopus Tree, and cliff-edge ocean views — is one of the most visited state parks in Tillamook County.

The year-round population is extremely small — fewer than 200 residents — making this one of the most exclusive and intimate coastal communities on the Oregon Coast. The vast majority of properties in Cape Meares are vacation homes and investment properties.

The Cape Meares Lifestyle

Life at Cape Meares is defined by the forest, the headland, and the sea. The community is perched within a canopy of old Sitka spruce, with ocean views from many properties. There are no commercial businesses, and residents embrace the 15-minute drive to Tillamook for services. The natural amenities are peerless: Cape Meares Lake (Oregon's largest coastal lake) sits immediately inland and is beloved for kayaking and fishing, the lighthouse trail is steps away, and the Octopus Tree — a massive ancient Sitka spruce with candelabra branches — is just a short walk from most homes.

Real Estate in Cape Meares

Cape Meares real estate is characterized by wooded lots with stunning ocean views, modest older cabins and cottages, and extraordinary natural surroundings. Properties range from around $400,000 for older inland homes to over $900,000 for premier ocean-view properties on the headland. The community attracts buyers seeking profound seclusion and natural beauty at a price point that's often more accessible than nearby Oceanside or Tillamook Bay towns.

The vacation rental market in Cape Meares is strong, with lighthouse proximity and old-growth forest settings making properties here uniquely appealing to short-term rental guests seeking a secluded retreat.

Schools Near Cape Meares

Cape Meares students are served by the Tillamook School District, with access to Tillamook's elementary, middle, and high schools. Tillamook High School offers a full range of programs and activities.

Things to Do Near Cape Meares

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and historic lighthouse. The Octopus Tree, a massive ancient Sitka spruce. Cape Meares Lake kayaking and fishing. Hiking through old-growth Sitka spruce forest. Wildlife watching including bald eagles and seabirds. Three Capes Scenic Route driving tour. Day trips to Oceanside (10 minutes south) and Tillamook (15 minutes east).

Getting to Cape Meares

Cape Meares is accessed via the Three Capes Scenic Route, approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook. From Portland, take US Highway 6 west to Tillamook, then follow the scenic route signs. The total drive from Portland is approximately 90 to 100 minutes.

Ready to Find Your Place in Cape Meares?

Cape Meares is a rare find — a lighthouse headland community surrounded by old-growth forest with extraordinary ocean views. If you're looking for something truly special on the Oregon Coast, I'd love to help.

Let's work together!

Marly

KW Coast Life

971.227.5140

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