Oregon · North Coast
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Cape Meares first shone on January 1, 1890. Its compact tower holds a first-order Fresnel lens, a reminder that a short building could carry a powerful coastal signal.
Cape Meares Lighthouse in 2017. This photograph does not establish current tower access.
Historic Cape Meares station and assistant keeper dwelling drawings, held by the National Archives.
Plan your visit
Walk the paved 0.2-mile path from the main parking area. Tours take small groups during lighthouse opening hours.
Visitor access: Public visits during posted hours · Reviewed 2026-09-11. Confirm current hours, tours, and closures with the official operator before travel.
Visitor access refreshed from the official operator September 11, 2026. Parking coordinates are mapped estimates from the September 7 dossier. Confirm conditions before departure.
- Hours
- Lighthouse and gift shop: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily through September 30. Tours limited to five visitors, without reservations.
- Access
- Walk the paved 0.2-mile path from the main parking area. Tours take small groups during lighthouse opening hours.
The story of this light
Cape Meares first shone on January 1, 1890. Its compact tower holds a first-order Fresnel lens, a reminder that a short building could carry a powerful coastal signal.
Audio story
The written story is available above. Recorded narration for this Oregon light is not available yet.
Your lighthouse passport
Record a personal visit on this device. Oregon stamps are self-recorded; location verification is not available.