Hiking the Cape Meares Beach Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
If you’re looking for a hike that few driving the Oregon Coast venture out to see, I recommend the Cape Meares Beach Trail.
The Beach Trail is one of the only true hikes inside of the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, and even so, most visitors tend to only visit the lighthouse and other adjacent viewpoints.
Cape Meares Beach Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cape Meares Beach Trail is located in a small parking area on the side of the road as you drive into the National Wildlife Refuge.
Google Maps Directions: Cape Meares Beach Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Hiking the Cape Meares Beach Trail
From the parking lot, the Cape Meares Beach Trail is an entirely downhill hike, which descends about 500 ft. (152 m) of elevation in 0.9 miles (1.4 km).
Cape Meares Beach-Big Spruce Junction
At the first intersection just after the trailhead, go right for Cape Meares Beach.
The trail to the left is short hike for the Big Sitka Spruce, which is shown at the end of this post.
After the split, the Cape Meares Trail will descend a handful of switchbacks until the canopy begins to open up, as the trail nears the water.
In late June, these non-native Foxglove flowers could be found up and down the Oregon Coast.
Cape Meares Beach
In my experience, Cape Meares Beach was completely empty, as most visitors don’t venture this far!
Hiking to the Big Spruce
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
Once back at the first intersection shown above, you have the option to hike another 0.2 miles (0.3 km) each way to see the largest known Sitka Spruce in the state of Oregon!
The Big Spruce
After a short walk, you will be greeted with this sign and the towering Sitka Spruce right in front of you!
