🌤 Weather at Cape Meares State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–61 °F | 48–69 °F | 39–68 °F | 36–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Tillamook, 6 mi away, elevation 12 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cape Meares State Park is a public state park in Oregon near Cape Meares in Tillamook County County. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Cape Meares |
| County | Tillamook County |
Location & Getting There
Cape Meares State Park is located near Cape Meares, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.4981236, -123.9586203.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Cape Meares State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Cape Meares State Park features the Cape Meares Lighthouse (1890) — one of the shortest lighthouses in Oregon at 38 feet but perched 217 feet above the ocean on dramatic basalt cliffs. The park protects an ancient old-growth Sitka spruce forest, including the famous “Octopus Tree” — an enormous spruce with multiple candelabra-like trunks that may have been shaped by Native Americans. The cape’s cliff faces host one of the largest nesting colonies of common murres on the Oregon coast — these penguin-like seabirds pack shoulder-to-shoulder on narrow ledges, each incubating a single egg. Peregrine falcons hunt the colony, diving at tremendous speeds. Bald eagles nest in the old-growth trees above.
Nearby Attractions
Tillamook — home of the famous Tillamook Creamery — attracts 1.3 million visitors annually for cheese tastings and ice cream. Tillamook Air Museum is housed in a massive WWII blimp hangar — one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Three Capes Scenic Loop connects Cape Meares to Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Bayocean Peninsula — a ghost town lost to erosion — offers eerie hiking along the bay. Cape Lookout State Park has excellent camping and the dramatic 2.5-mile cape trail. Oceanside is a tiny, scenic village with tunnel beach access.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is a short drive away, and Manhattan Beach State Recreation Site is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cape Meares State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Cape Meares State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cape Meares State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
