When we visited Cape Meares on the northern Oregon coast, we didn’t get much of a view. It was clear inland on that early August day, but the coast was blanketed with layers of fog.
When you enter the parking area at Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint, you’re greeted by this beautiful sign. Colorful images of local wildlife sit atop rusted metal silhouettes of the landscape.
And then there’s the lighthouse. Can a lighthouse be cute? This one is shorter and squatter than the average lighthouse. It was active from 1890 to 1963. When it was put into service, its lens was “one of the most powerful and largest of its day.”
The lighthouse and a small gift shop are open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. There are guided tours of the lighthouse through September 30.
The map pictured below shows the nine lighthouses found along the Oregon coast. All of them were built in the late 1800s.
Though we didn’t see much wildlife on that foggy day, I appreciated the signage along the trail. It was well laid out, colorful, and didn’t have too much text.
I hope to visit this viewpoint again on a clearer day to catch glimpses of some of this area’s marine mammals and seabirds.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Places shaped by water
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Cape Meares is spectacular! What a view, the fog truly adds an extra layer! Beautifully composed
Yes, the fog was great for photos!
That foggy view is spectacular, full of mystery. We’ve visited a few of the lighthouses on the west coast, but the only stop in Oregon for our trip up the coast was Heceta Head.
Yeah, the fog dies make it more mysterious, John. I need to get back to the coast ro see more of them.
I love it when you’re on land by the ocean and this thick ocean fog is rolling in! A great picture. And, yes, that lighthouse gets the award for “cuteness.”
Thanks, Joanne! Glad you thought the lighthouse was cute too. 😁
nice!
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Thanks! 🌊
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The weather was on your side as far as drama goes. What beautiful images of Cape Meares!
Yeah, it was, Egidio! Thanks! 😄
“Can a lighthouse be cute?” — yes, and the short squat ones absolutely qualify. Also a nice bit of irony that the 1890 lens was one of the most powerful of its day and you still couldn’t see through the fog. Your note about the trail signage being colourful and not too text-heavy is something I notice constantly now that we travel with kids; good interpretive signs are the difference between them reading it and walking straight past. Hope you get your clear day.
I wasn’t expecting to see a little lighthouse there and it was a pleasant surprise. Yes, I agree with you about text-heavy signs and displays. I think most visitors prefer short and to the point text. We’re expecting a nice sunny day here in Bend. Have a great week!
Beautiful collection from the Oregon coast. My favorite is the foggy view of the cliffs. I love the light houses.
Thanks, Beth! The fog made it more dramatic (and cold). I’ll have to check out some of the other lighthouses in the future.
The lighthouse is cute! It definitely looks like a place to go back too, although that fog photo is fantastic.
Yeah, I thought so too. The fog is good for pictures, but not so good for finding wildlife. Thanks!
Love these. The Oregon Coast is stunning and I’m so happy to live near enough to visit. I don’t know that I’ve been to the Cape Mears lighthouse.
Yes, it’s beautiful, Kirstin! You should check out the “cute” lighthouse someday.
Hey, I have been there- Great photos, fog, mist photos always appeal to me, this one does too
Thanks, Ritva! So you know how beautiful it is there. 😁
Lovely
Yes, it was! 🙂