Cape Lookout State Park
Located on a pristine sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Cape Lookout State Park is one of Oregon’s most beloved coastal destinations. The dramatic 5-mile Cape Trail extends to the tip of the cape, offering breathtaking views—on clear days, you can see 39 miles south to Cape Foulweather and 42 miles north to Tillamook Head.
The park is a key stop on the Three Capes Scenic Route and a gateway to the Oregon Coast Trail. History buffs will discover a poignant WWII memorial: on August 1, 1943, an Army Air Force B-17 bomber crashed into the cape during coastal patrol. A memorial plaque along the trail honors the crew, with only one survivor rescued after a harrowing day-long effort.
With year-round camping, cozy yurts, deluxe cabins, and miles of beaches to explore, Cape Lookout offers the quintessential Oregon Coast experience—dramatic scenery, rich history, and world-class wildlife watching including seasonal whale migrations.
Park Fast Facts
Cape Lookout State Park is located on the scenic Oregon coast, between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean along the Three Capes Scenic Route.
| 📍 Location | 13000 Whiskey Creek Road West, Tillamook, OR 97141 |
| 🗺️ Region | North Oregon Coast / Three Capes |
| 📐 Total Area | 2,000+ acres |
| ⏰ Day Use | Dawn to dusk |
| 📅 Camping | Year-round (reservations up to 6 months) |
| 📞 Phone | (503) 842-4981 |
Camping Options
Cape Lookout offers year-round camping with diverse options for every style—from primitive tent sites to deluxe cabins.
| Camping Type | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 38 | Water, electric, sewer |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 170 | Water nearby |
| ⚡ Electric Only | 1 | With water |
| 🏠 Yurts | 13 | 6 pet-friendly |
| 🏡 Deluxe Cabins | 6 | 3 pet-friendly |
| 👥 Group Camp | Yes | Group tent area |
| 🚴 Hiker/Biker | Yes | Oregon Coast Trail access |
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🌊 Cape Trail | 5 mi RT | Tip of cape, 39-mile views, B-17 memorial |
| 🌲 North Trail (OCT) | 2.3 mi | Oregon Coast Trail, forest above ocean |
| 🏖️ South Trail (OCT) | 1.7 mi | Oregon Coast Trail continuation |
| 👨👩👧 Nature Trail | Short | Family-friendly, near registration |
| 🏝️ Netarts Spit | Miles | Beach walking north of campground |
WWII B-17 Memorial
On August 1, 1943, an Army Air Force B-17 bomber struck Cape Lookout during a coastal patrol mission. It took rescue crews a full day to reach the sole survivor through the rugged terrain. A memorial plaque along the Cape Trail honors the fallen crew—a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
Three Capes Scenic Route
Cape Lookout is a highlight of the Three Capes Scenic Route, which winds along Tillamook Bay and features:
| Stop | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Cape Meares | Historic lighthouse, largest Sitka spruce in Oregon |
| 🌿 Clay Myers SNA | Whalen Island, 1.4-mile loop, estuary ecology |
| 🌲 Sitka Sedge SNA | 4+ miles trails through forest and marsh |
| 🚣 Bob Straub SP | Nestucca Spit beaches, Pacific City dory fleet |
| 💧 Munson Creek Falls | 319-foot waterfall—tallest in Coast Range! |
Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚿 Restrooms | Flush toilets, hot showers (campers only) |
| 🪵 Firewood | For sale at C Loop |
| 🚐 RV Dump | Dump station available |
| ⚡ EV Charging | 2 stations at day-use parking |
| ♿ ADA Access | 2 campsites, 1 cabin, 2 yurts accessible |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Gray whale migration, wildflowers | Fewer crowds, mild weather |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Best hiking weather, beaches | Very popular—book early! |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Storm watching begins, quieter | Dramatic ocean views |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Epic storm watching, gray whales return | Year-round camping! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cape Lookout Trail?
The Cape Trail is 5 miles round-trip from the trailhead to the tip of Cape Lookout. The trail is mostly flat but can be muddy and rocky in places. Through Sitka spruce and hemlock forest, you’ll reach stunning viewpoints where you can see 39 miles south to Cape Foulweather and 42 miles north to Tillamook Head on clear days.
Can you camp year-round at Cape Lookout?
Yes! Cape Lookout offers year-round camping. The park has 38 full-hookup sites, 170 tent sites, 13 yurts, and 6 deluxe cabins. Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.
What is the WWII crash site at Cape Lookout?
On August 1, 1943, a U.S. Army Air Force B-17 bomber crashed into Cape Lookout during a coastal patrol mission. Rescue crews took a full day to reach the sole survivor through the rugged terrain. A memorial plaque along the Cape Trail honors the crew members who perished.
Are dogs allowed at Cape Lookout?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a 6-foot leash in the campground and day-use areas. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the beach north of the campground along the Netarts Spit. Some yurts and cabins are also pet-friendly.
Can you see whales from Cape Lookout?
Yes! Cape Lookout is one of the best whale watching spots on the Oregon Coast. Gray whales migrate past in spring (March-May) heading north and again in winter (December-February) heading south. The tip of the cape offers excellent vantage points.
What is the Three Capes Scenic Route?
The Three Capes Scenic Route is a 40-mile driving loop that begins in Tillamook and passes Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. Highlights include the Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon’s largest Sitka spruce, Munson Creek Falls (319 feet—the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range), and Pacific City’s famous dory fleet.
Experience the Oregon Coast
Year-round camping, dramatic cape trails, WWII history, and world-class whale watching—all on the scenic Three Capes Route. Book your yurt or campsite today!
