About Cape Meares

Cape Meares, Oregon is a lovely coastal town where one can fish in local Cape Meares lake, rockhunt on the sandy and rocky beaches or drive just a short distance to see the world famous Octopus tree. The tree is a mother SITKA SPRUCE - (PICEA SITCHENSIS) with many smaller trees growing out of it. A very interesting sight to behold. In fact there is a legend about the tree. Click here to read more.

Cape Meares

The community of Cape Meares is named for the nearby cape. The Cape Meares Lighthouse was built on the Cape in 1890. John Meares was an enterprising retired British Navy lieutenant. Among his travel adventures he sailed down the Pacific Coast in the Tillamook area in 1788.

When in Cape Meares make sure to see the famous Cape Meares lighthouse, too. From the area of the light house you can see a host of birds. A true treat for the bird watcher in you.

Near Cape Meares is a piece of land which is called Bay Ocean Spit.

Bay Ocean

This former community on the spit between Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean was named by the Potter-Chapin Realty Company of Portland. The story of the dream and destruction of this town is part of the well known history of Tillamook.

There is some remarkable history associated with the Spit as it's know to locals. It seems that a developer decided the Spit would make a terrific resort development. They built homes, hotels, and other resort amenities. They didn't consider what storms and waves would bring at such a low lying level. Eventually the town was abandoned.