Cape Meares Lighthouse was named for Captain John Meares who was the first to sail into Tillamook Bay. It is recognized as the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Built in 1889, this teeny tiny wonder stands only 38 feet tall and it is truly a delight to see. Don’t let its small size fool you though, the light could be seen for 21 miles out to sea because of the steep sea cliff on which it rests and due to its Fresnel lens.
The lighthouse lens is a first order Fresnel (pronounced “Fraynel”) lens made in Paris, France. It was shipped around Cape Horn, up the west coast to Cape Meares. It was then hauled 217 feet up the cliff by a wooden crane built from local timbers native to the area.
(Details from Visit Tillamook Coast)
• Be sure to take the road through Oceanside to reach the lighthouse. BayOcean Road NW looks appealing but DOES NOT go all the way through, despite what your mapping software might tell you.