Trails
Visitors can enjoy hikes through the headland and old-growth forest of Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and State Scenic Viewpoint. Four unique trails lead visitors all around the cape. From the small parking area on Cape Meares Loop, take the short trek to Oregon’s Champion Sitka Spruce tree or walk a segment of the popular Oregon Coast Trail which runs through the center of the refuge and down to the beach.
From the main parking area, hike to the unique and magnificent Octopus Tree or to Oregon’s shortest lighthouse. Interpretive panels along this headland trail offer information about the refuge and its wild inhabitants.
Big Spruce Trail
Open: Year Round
Length: 0.1 mi out and back (0.2 mi round)
Details: Trailhead located at the parking area on Cape Meares Loop, before the left-hand turn at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge sign. See the interpretive panel located at the trailhead for information on the big spruce and Cape Meares. Past the panel, take a left toward the big spruce. The righthand trail will take you down to the beach. Enjoy the short walk to the big spruce through the increasingly rare old-growth forest. Easy.
Cape Meares Beach Trail (Oregon Coast Trail Segment)
Open: Year Round
Length: 1.5 mi out and back (3 mi round)
Details: Trailhead located at the parking area on Cape Meares Loop, before the left-hand turn at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge sign. See the interpretive panel located at the trailhead for information about the cape. Past the panel, take a right onto the trail, which is a segment of the Oregon Coast Trail. Follow the trail through spectacular old-growth forest down to the sandy beach. Moderately difficult.
Lighthouse Trail
Open: Year Round
Length: 0.3 mi loop
Details: Begin hike on either side of the Sallie Jacobson Interpretive kiosk located on the west side of the main parking area. The trail follows the cape down to Oregon’s shortest lighthouse, past award-winning interpretive panels highlighting the wildlife of Cape Meares over spectacular viewpoints. See the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website for information on touring the lighthouse. Paved trail with some elevation change.
Octopus Tree Trail
Open: Year Round
Length: 0.1 mi out and back (0.2 mi round)
Details: This trail begins just past the restrooms on the east side of the main parking area. The trail winds through beautiful forest and comes to a marvelously unique Sitka Spruce tree, with a short, wide trunk and a number of limbs protruding out like an octopus’ arms. Stop and view the ocean toward the south and Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge before turning back. Easy.