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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Oregon Coast Region
Cape Lookout State Park
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Cape Lookout State Park © Tobias Haase from Hanover, Germany / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon
Cape Lookout State Park © RickObst / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape Lookout State Park is a state park on Cape Lookout in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in Tillamook County, south of the city of Tillamook, on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. http//oregonstateparks.org/index.cfmdoparkPage.dsp_parkPageampparkId134
Cape Lookout State Park © RickObst / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape Lookout State Park is a state park on Cape Lookout in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in Tillamook County, south of the city of Tillamook, on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. http//oregonstateparks.org/index.cfmdoparkPage.dsp_parkPageampparkId134
Cape Lookout State Park © RickObst / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape Lookout State Park is a state park on Cape Lookout in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in Tillamook County, south of the city of Tillamook, on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. http//oregonstateparks.org/index.cfmdoparkPage.dsp_parkPageampparkId134
Cape Lookout State Park © RickObst / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cape Lookout State Park is a state park on Cape Lookout in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in Tillamook County, south of the city of Tillamook, on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. http//oregonstateparks.org/index.cfmdoparkPage.dsp_parkPageampparkId134
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CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK
CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK
13000 Whiskey Creek Road
Tillamook, Oregon   97141
(lat:45.3558 lon:-123.9715) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Toll Free: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 503-842-4981
A popular campground and day-use area, Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, giving you a terrific view of the ocean with easy access to the beach. Beachcombing is popular here, and the park is reputedly a good place to find glass floats. More than eight miles of hiking and walking trails wind through a lush old-growth forest. The Cape Lookout trail follows the headland for more than 2 miles. A bench is located at the end of the trail. Enjoy the view! You might see a whale or two along with other wildlife.
Park Overview (pdf)
History of the Area
European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with Captain Robert Gray being one of the first recorded visitors to Cape Lookout. In subsequent decades, fur traders and settlers began venturing into these lands as they sought new opportunities along the Pacific Northwest coastline.

During World War II, Cape Lookout became an important site for military defense due to its strategic location overlooking both land and sea. A radar station was established atop Cape Lookout itself while soldiers patrolled nearby beaches searching for potential enemy activity.

After the war ended, interest grew in preserving this stunning coastal landscape from development pressures. Efforts were made by local communities and conservationists alike to protect it as public land accessible to all who wished to enjoy its splendor.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
1. Tent Camping: Cape Lookout State Park offers more than 200 mixed-used campsites for tents, including both reservable and first-come-first-served sites.

2. RV Camping: The park also has full-hookup sites that can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 60 feet in length.

3. Yurts & Cabins: For those who prefer a bit of comfort while camping, the park features deluxe cabins with bathrooms and kitchenettes as well as yurt rentals which are round tent-like structures equipped with beds, heat source etc., providing an alternative to traditional camping experience.

4. Group Campsites: There is one group campsite available at Cape Lookout State Park suitable for larger gatherings or events like family reunions or scout trips

5. Hiker/Biker Camps - These special areas provide basic amenities (like showers) specifically designed for individuals traveling by foot/bike along Oregon's scenic trails.

6. Beachside Camping - You may set your tent right on the beach but be aware of tides!
Camping (pdf)
Swimming
1. Cape Lookout State Park offers beach swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
2. The park does not have a designated swim area or lifeguards on duty.
3. Swimming is at your own risk due to strong ocean currents and cold water temperatures.
4. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular alternatives to traditional swimming here.
5. Nearby Netarts Bay provides calmer waters for swimmers with warmer summer temperatures than the open sea.

Boating
The park, located in Oregon, offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are boat rentals available including kayaks and canoes which allow you to explore the nearby water bodies at your own pace. For those who prefer guided tours or group activities, there are also chartered fishing trips as well as whale watching excursions that depart from within the park's boundaries. However, it should be noted that while motorized boats are allowed on larger bodies of water surrounding the area; they're prohibited inside some smaller streams and lakes due to environmental protection efforts.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy surf fishing for redtail perch and silver salmon. Crabbing is also popular in the nearby Netarts Bay.



Picnicking
Cape Lookout State Park offers picnic tables with ocean views, BBQ grills and covered shelters for picnicking in any weather.
Trails
A nature trail and the Jackson Creek trail -- are perfect for a shorter jaunt. The nature trail gives you a close-up view of native trees and other plants. Numbered markers are keyed to a trail guide. The Jackson Creek trail starts with an interpretive panel describing the local salmon restoration project.
Cape Lookout Trail Guide (pdf)
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including warblers, sparrows and hummingbirds. The park is home to both resident birds as well as migratory ones during different seasons. Visitors may also see raptors like hawks or eagles soaring overhead. Birding tours are not offered within the park but self-guided bird watching is popular among visitors.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
December 23 Have been coming here since I was akid. by Randy Wagner
park review stars; one to five My wife and I rented one of the new cabins in early September along with my Daughter and Grand Daughter. The cabin was very clean & cozy, and is situated among sitka spruce very close to the beach. This is a much quieter serene place than Cannon Beach, or Seaside, and it grows on you. It was hard to leave and return to the city! I highly recommend staying here.
August 17 The best place to camp on the beach! by Angela G
park review stars; one to five We have been coming here since the early 90?s this is hands down the best place to camp its clean and family friendly! there are beautiful trails and hikes and the staff is very friendly!!!!
June 8 Love it! by Codi
park review stars; one to five We rented a yurt at the state park and fell in love with the coast line there. We are getting married in 2 weeks at Cape Lookout and I would recommend it to anyone! It has stunning views, good hikes and scenic drives. The camp facilities are really good and the camp host is very friendly.
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Area Campgrounds
Pacific City RV & Camping Resort
30000 Sandlake Road
Cloverdale, OR
503-965-6200
Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina
2260 Bilyeu
Netarts, OR
Big Spruce RV Park
4850 Netarts Highway W
Tillamook, OR
503-842-7443
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Cape Lookout State Park can be reached by traveling an hour and a half west of Portland through the scenic Wilson River pass. Along the way, stop and enjoy waterfalls, scenic views and some great fishing.

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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