Whale Watching: Cape Meares Lighthouse and Coffee

Whale watching season is back! Tens of thousands of gray whales are currently migrating from Alaska to Hawaii and Mexico. About 30 pass by per hour and when they're feeling frisky, you might see some flipper slapping, lobtailing, or breeching--one time, I got all three!

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is just the spot for spotting, with multiple overlooks, paved trails, and Oregon's smallest, cutest lighthouse perched 200' over the water on the edge of a cliff.

We'll meet in the parking lot (look for my deep blue Honda CRV, I'll be in a navy windbreaker) and slowly walk the 0.5 mi. round trip paved loop, pausing to peer over overlooks, photograph the lighthouse, and scan the waves for whale action. On the south side return trail, we'll have spectacular views of Three Arch Rocks, the entirety of Short Beach, and a rock that's usually slathered with a coating of noisy Steller Sea Lions, the largest of all the lions of the sea. I've also spotted energetic wrentits, eagles, peregrines, cormorants, and seasonal migrants, too. Restrooms on site, no parking fee.

Afterwards, we'll reconvene at Five Rivers Roasters (3670 Hwy 101 N, Tillamook, OR 97141) in Tillamook for some hot java and conversation in a cozy coffeehouse. They roast their beans on site and have baked goods and sandwiches. Leave for home by 3:30 PM if you don't want to drive back in the dark.

GREEN FLASH BONUS: Conditions will be ideal to see the green flash at sunset (4:59 PM), so I will be heading to the Cape Meares Overlook back near the lighthouse at 4 PM, feel free to join me. You will need binoculars to see it and I have two pairs to lend (I'll be looking through my spotting scope). It will be breezy and chilly at the site by then but you can stay in your car until the last minute, I'll tell you when it's time to start lookin'. Here's a link to the last time we saw it, it was the largest one ever!

Don't bother trying to photograph it unless you have a very rigid tripod, a powerful camera, and a spectacular zoom. No guarantees it will appear, but trust me, it's a bucket list natural phenomenon that's worth the effort, plus I'll teach you exactly what to look for in future sunsets. This side trip adventure will only add an hour to our day and will get you back to Portland after rush hour (double bonus!) No restroom on site, no parking fee.

Bring $10 cash only, WEATHER appropriate clothing, binoculars/scope, camera gear, snacks/water for the whole day. Location is exposed to sun/wind. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.