Cape Meares Lighthouse

Cape Meares Lighthouse stands on a cliff with brick and iron construction, topped with a first-order Fresnel lens that once projected light across the ocean. The 38-foot tower overlooks the rocky coastline and sits within a scenic viewpoint area managed by the state.

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1889, and it sent its first beam across the Pacific on January 1, 1890, marking the start of a new era in coastal navigation. The tower was built to withstand the harsh weather and waves that define the Oregon coast.

The lighthouse tower sits as a reminder of Oregon's maritime past, marking the coastline that once guided ships and shaped the region's fishing heritage.

The lighthouse opens seasonally from May through September with free entry and a gift shop on-site. Bring comfortable shoes for walking the cliff-edge paths, and wear a jacket since the coast stays cool and breezy even on sunny days.

The Fresnel lens was made in Paris and shipped around Cape Horn before being hoisted 217 feet (66 m) up the cliff using a wooden crane built from local timber. This remarkable feat of engineering shows how determined builders were to install cutting-edge lighting technology at this remote location.

Location: Tillamook County

Made from material: concrete, brick, cast iron

GPS coordinates: 45.48647,-123.97831

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41