Cape Lookout State Park
Home » Birding Locations » Tillamook County » South County Coastal Sites
Seasons
Checklists
Location
Cape Lookout State Park is a campground and two day use areas located about 10.9 miles southwest of Tillamook.
To reach the Cape Lookout SP–Day Use Area/Campground (45.360281, -123.970019) from the intersection of Highway 101 and 3rd St./Highway 131 in Tillamook, travel west on Highway 131 for 4.8 miles. Fork left onto Whiskey Creek Rd., continue for 5.2 miles to a signed park entrance road. Turn right (southwest) and travel 0.6 mile to the State Park day use parking area. Day use fees are required at this parking area, there is a pay kiosk at the parking entrance. There is a covered picnic area. Trailheads, beach access, and restrooms are available nearby.
The Cape Lookout SP–Cape Trail (45.340930, -123.972754) is located at the southern end of the park. To reach the trailhead from Cape Lookout SP–Day Use Area/Campground return along the park entrance road to the intersection of Whiskey Creek Rd. and Cape Lookout SP entrance road. Turn right (south) on Cape Lookout Rd. (a continuation of Whiskey Creek Rd.) for 2.7 miles to a signed State Park entrance. Turn right (west) into the parking area. The parking area has a trailhead and portable restroom. This is a no-fee area.
Oregon Birding Trail: Go to the Oregon Birding Trails Website. Choose the Oregon Coast Birding Trail. Click on the North Coast tab and go to section 37.
Directions
Habitat and Birds
The Cape Lookout SP Trail Map shows the area well.
Cape Lookout SP–Day Use Area/Campground has older Sitka Spruce / Western Hemlock forest, dunes, and open beach habitats.
The trailhead for the Cape Lookout State Park Nature Trail is located to the west (see map). This is a short interpretive trail in forest habitat.
The longer North Trail is currently closed. (September 2022)
Walking the campground roads has been productive. It is a mix of open areas and forest habitats with beach views. Species include Wrentit, Pileated Woodpecker (uncommon), Canada Jay, Red Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, and Varied Thrush (winter).
The beach west of the parking area can be walked to the north on the west side of Netarts Spit. This is a relatively under-birded area of open beach. Note the Tides for beach walking. Snowy Plovers have been seen here.
Cape Lookout SP–Cape Trail is a 2.5-mile walk out to the tip of Cape Lookout (see trail map). This moderate difficulty trail passes through old growth Sitka Spruce/Western Hemlock forest and headland cliffs. The seawatching and whale watching at the farthest extent of the headland are worth the walk. Birds along the trail and headland include, (nesting) Peregrine Falcons, Wrentit, Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Tufted Puffin (with luck), Red Crossbills, and Varied Thrush.
eBird Checklists:
eBird Hotspot Checklist for Cape Lookout SP
eBird Hotspot checklist for Cape Lookout SP–Day Use Area/Campground
Discussion