Cape Meares Viewpoint and Octopus Tree Trail

While the Octopus Tree Trail itself is very short, about 0.1 miles, combining it with the Cape Meares Lighthouse Trail makes for a total hike of less than a mile round trip. Most visitors spend about 1-1.5 hours exploring the trails and enjoying the viewpoints, depending on how long they linger at the attractions.

The Octopus Tree Trail is a short, largely flat, and even dirt path, making it quite accessible. The Lighthouse Trail is paved with a gradual downhill grade. Overall, the trails are considered easy, though there is a steeper ramp leading to the base of the lighthouse. You'll walk through a beautiful, dense spruce forest and along paved paths with stunning coastal views.

This trail is packed with unique sights! You'll encounter the famous Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, offering expansive ocean vistas. Don't miss the ancient and uniquely shaped Octopus Tree, and the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon's shortest lighthouse. You'll also get incredible views of rock formations and the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with longer, established trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Oregon Coast Trail, the Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway (Tillamook Alternate), and the TransAmerica Trail (Oregon).

Parking is readily available at the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The trailheads for both the Octopus Tree and the Lighthouse are conveniently located right there, making for easy access to your hike.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails within Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

While beautiful year-round, the fall often offers the clearest views as the cape is high enough to be above summer fog banks. Spring and summer are also popular, especially for wildlife viewing like nesting seabirds. Always check the weather forecast before you go, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint or to hike the Octopus Tree and Lighthouse trails. It's free to enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites.

The area is excellent for wildlife spotting! You might see various seabirds, including thousands of tufted puffins and murres nesting on the cliffs and sea stacks, especially around the Three Arch Rocks. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sea lions, and seals as well.

Yes, the Octopus Tree Trail is largely flat and even, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. When combined with the paved Lighthouse Trail, it's a very family-friendly option, offering unique sights without strenuous effort.

The Octopus Tree is an ancient Sitka spruce, estimated to be 250 to 300 years old. Its unique shape, with a sprawling, multi-trunked base and tentacle-like branches instead of a central trunk, gives it its distinctive name. It's considered one of the most fascinating natural oddities on the Oregon Coast.