Discover the Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree

Discover the Cape Meares Lighthouse & Octopus Tree

Sitting at top steep cliffs overlooking the 
Pacific Ocean is the Cape Meares Lighthouse, named for English Captain John Meares, 
who was the first to explore the area in 1778. [Music] Constructed in 
1889 and first lit on January 1st, 1890, this is Oregon’s shortest 
lighthouse, standing only 38 ft tall. It was constructed of bricks that were made 
on site and then covered in iron plates to provide an extra layer of protection against 
the harsh coastal weather. The lighthouse, including the keeper dwellings and other 
outbuildings, cost about $25,000 to build. But despite its diminutive size, the light from 
this station could be seen 20 m out to sea. partly because of the steep cliffs that it sits 
a top but also because of its first order fresnel lens which was made in Paris, France. This lens 
was one of the most powerful and largest of its day and was shipped here around Cape Horn at the 
southern tip of South America before making its way north to the Oregon coast. When it arrived, 
it was hauled 217 ft up the cliff using a wooden crane before reaching its final destination. 
This eight-sided lens has four primary lenses and then four bullseye lenses covered in red 
panels which produce 30 seconds of white light followed by a red flash for 5 seconds. It 
was originally lit by an oil lamp which was replaced by an oil vapor light in 1910 and 
then finally converted to electricity in 1934. The lighthouse continued operation until it 
was decommissioned in 1963, and the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places. Today, visitors can take a free tour of the lighthouse, although group size is limited 
to five at a time because of limited space. Unfortunately, the lighthouse fell victim 
to vandalism in January 2010 when a couple of unruly locals decided to 
use it for target practice, breaking 15 of the lighouses windows and 
several parts of the historic Fresnel lens. It was determined that a full restoration would 
be too costly at over $500,000. So instead, the damaged pieces of original loose site 
were replaced with red plastic glass. Equally impressive to the lighthouse are the scenic coastal views which can 
be seen in either direction. From April through July, these steep cliffs and 
offshore rocks are the nesting site for thousands of seabirds, including common mirrors, branch 
cormorants, and pigeon guillimots. [Music] And just up the hill is the octopus tree, a massive 
sitka spruce estimated to be 250 to 300 years old. Instead of having a single trunk, its limbs 
have grown outwards from its 50-ft base, reaching upwards like giant tentacles. The tree 
holds the record for the largest Sitka spruce in Oregon. And its bizarre multi- trunk form 
was so unusual that it gained attention from Ripley’s Believe It or Not, solidifying its 
status as a natural anomaly. The reason for its unique shape is unknown. Some believe 
it was formed naturally by extreme weather, but others suggest it was intentionally shaped 
by the Tillamook tribe for ceremonial purposes. [Music] The Cape Meares lighthouse and octopus tree 
make for an interesting stop if you’re in the Tillamook area. I’ll leave a link to their 
official website in the description below for more information. Thanks for visiting 
the Cape Mir’s lighthouse and octopus tree with me today. Keep exploring 
and I’ll see you again next time. [Music]

Located on the Oregon coast, Cape Meares is a stunning headland and part of the scenic Three Capes Scenic Route. The area is known for two prominent features: the Cape Meares Lighthouse and the Octopus Tree.

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest on the Oregon coast, but it is positioned on a towering cliff, allowing its light to be seen from far away. Built in 1890, it once housed a powerful first-order Fresnel lens and is now open to the public during certain times of the year.

Nearby, you’ll find the legendary Octopus Tree, a Sitka spruce that is an Oregon Heritage Tree. This massive tree has no central trunk; instead, its base splits into six large limbs that grow horizontally before turning upward.

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=131

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CHAPTERS
0:00 OREGONS SHORTEST LIGHTHOUSE
0:40 FIRST ORDER FRESNEL LENSE
1:45 TOURS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
2:07 VANDALISM AT THE LIGHTHOUSE
2:34 COASTAL VIEWS
3:04 OREGONS LARGEST SITKA SPRUCE

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/jesse-waldman/perseverance
License code: CXWSQIGWIZADRTNS

🌐 Interactive Map 🌐
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1z_7zSl4oi-5bFV-ZznaAspFAlLJfMj44

ABOUT EXIT THRU THE GIFT SHOP
Join me in exploring roadside attractions, museums, oddities, points of interest and other diversions before finally…exiting thru the gift shop.