Cape Meares State Park (Oregon)

Cape Meares State Park is a small park located on the Oregon Coast near Tillamook. Though it covers only 250 acres it packs a lot of scenery into a small area. And, it features the largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon. Which sounds like a "world's largest ball of twine" type attraction, that is, until you actually see it. The tree is reached by a quarter mile long trail that passes through a spectacular old growth stand. Along the path you pass a number of very large Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir, some in the eight foot diameter range, and Elle had no more than asked how we would know when we saw the champion tree. Then we turned the corner and there was no doubt. This is by far the largest tree I've seen since a visit to Sequoia National Park 40 years ago. It dwarfs the trees seen in the old growth stands seen along the Salmon River that I wrote about in my previous post.

This Sitka Spruce is believed to be the largest in Oregon. A state that is notable for large trees. The "forester's diameter (at four feet about the ground) is sixteen feet. Most impressive is that the tree must be 10 feet in diameter 50 feet above the ground. For scale note the spokesmodel standing at the base of the tree. 

There is a also a sign. 

Most visitors to Cape Meares State Park take a short walk from the main parking area down to a historic lighthouse. There are several stunningly beautiful view points along the way and from the vicinity of the lighthouse.

These cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting cormorants. Bring your binoculars. 

Stunning views of the Oregon coast are to be had from several locations near the Cape Meares Light House. 

For the slightly more adventurous there is one mile long trail that you can take to descend 500 feet from the entrance parking area down to a secluded cove and rock beech. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but it's worth noting that the trail ends at a spot where you'll need to down (and then back up) a nearly vertical 20 bank to actually get down to the water line. No worries though, a rope tied to a tree can be used to assist you up and down.

The longer trail brings you to a secluded cove with spectacular views of the Cape Meares headlands. 

Looking up the coast (north) from the trail end point.

Salmon River (Oregon Part 2)

Returning to the car following the Hunchback Mountain Hike, I decided to take a walk on a trail that runs along the nearby Salmon River. Much of the afternoon had been overcast but, following a brief thunderstorm, the skies cleared and a lovely spring evening emerged. A perfect time to have a look at the old growth stands the Salmon River trail is noted for.

A Western Red Cedar. Note the trekking pole extended to about 40 inches. This tree was close to eight feet in diameter at ABH. Numerous Douglas Fir in the six to eight foot diameter range are also present along the river.

The Salmon River running with snow melt.

The deep green of an old forest.

Old growth has a distinctly primeval feel.

They don't call it Devil's Club for nothing.