Cape Lookout State Park: Everything You Need To Know

**NOTICE: Cape Lookout State Park closed on August 3, 2026 for construction.  A reopening date has not been set yet.**

Oregon is loaded with beautiful state parks and state beaches.  And Cape Lookout State Park is one of those incredible places.  

Between the campground, the beach, the hiking trails and the beauty of the coast, you can’t go wrong with visiting Cape Lookout.  Even if you aren’t the biggest outdoorsman/woman, this is a great park to relax on the beach.

Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to know when visiting Cape Lookout State Park! 

Important Links 

• Cape Lookout State Park website
• Camping Info – Make Reservations Here!
• Hiking Trails – AllTrails List
• Camping Checklist Freebie – A Useful Camping Checklist
• Hiking Backpack Checklist Freebie – Be Prepared on the Trails
• Hiking Journal – Never Forget the Details of Your Favorite Hikes Again!
• Camping Journal – Never Forget Your Camping Trips Details Again!

Location

Cape Lookout State Park is located on the beautiful Oregon coast, only 15 minutes from Tillamook. And nearby there is the popular Tunnel Beach, Cape Meares State Park and the Cape Kiwanda Sand Dunes.

As far as distances from other major cities, Cape Lookout is just under 2 hours from Portland, OR, 1.5 hours from Salem, OR, and 5 hours from Seattle, WA.

Fees

Cape Lookout State Park has a daily fee, just like all Oregon State Parks.  Even if you are just going to walk on the beach, you have to pay that fee to park. 

The fee is $10 for Oregon Residents and $12 for Out of State Visitors.

At the parking lot there is a QR code that you can scan and use to pay the fee.  BUT you might not have phone service here.  So in order to not risk getting a fine, here are a few suggestions to pay said fee!

Pay Ahead of Time

The first option is to purchase your Day Use Parking Permit online ahead of time.  This pass is valid for an entire day and can be used at all of the state parks for that day.  In other words, if you are planning on visiting Shore Acres State Park, Harris Beach and Humbug Mountain State Park all in one day, this pass will cover you. 

And the second option is to purchase an Oregon State Parks Annual Pass. This pass gives you access to all of Oregon State Parks and Beaches for 12 months from the month of purchase.  The resident pass is $60 and the non-resident pass is $75. 

The annual pass only makes sense if you are planning on visiting several state parks/beaches on several different days.  If you are a resident planning to spend more than 6 days in any of the state parks, this pass is perfect for you. And if you are a non-resident planning to spend more than 6 days in the state parks, again, this pass is the way to go.    

Just make sure the math makes sense before you purchase, or you might be wasting some money.

Day Use Parking and Picnic Area

If you’re headed to Cape Lookout State Park for a picnic or just to walk on the beach, you’ll want to park here. This lot holds approximately 100 vehicles and was all but empty when we went for an evening walk on the beach.

However, if you are hoping to have a chill beach day on a weekend, you should probably arrive sometime in the morning to snag a spot.

This area also has several picnic tables and is near the cabins that people can rent.    

Things to Do Here

You might be asking yourself “what all is there to do at Cape Lookout State Park?”  And there are quite a few awesome options.

First up is enjoying the beach!  There is something for every beach goer.  You could have a lazy day sitting in the sand, watch the kids collecting shells, or even just walk up and down the beach.

There is also camping.  I’ll expand on this later, but there are over 200 campsites, several yurts and several cabins for people to enjoy.  (Check out the camping section below).

Next there is hiking in the state park.  Here is a detailed list of trails in the park.  There is the 2.3 mile Cape Lookout Trail, the 2.3 mile North Trail, and the 1.7 mile South Trail. Then there is the 5 miles of beach that you can walk as well.  So if you want a moderate hike in the woods or an easy walk on the beach, Cape Lookout State Park has it.  

If you are visiting Cape Lookout during one of the migration seasons, the Cape Lookout Trail is a great place to spot Gray Whales off-shore.  From the overlook you might be able to see some awesome pods of whales as they head north or south.  

You could also go biking around the park for some leisurely exercise.  Or you could go fishing on the beaches of the state park.  Just be aware you’ll need your Oregon Fishing License.  

Camping 

Now, as promised, here are the details about camping here!

Cape Lookout State Park has quite a bit to offer as far as camping goes.  Here is the campground map if you want to see the layout.  

The park has 38 full hookup sites and 170 tent sites.  There are 13 yurts, 6 of which are pet-friendly.  And there are 6 deluxe cabins, 3 of which are pet-friendly.  

There are flush toilets and hot showers at this campground, as well as an RV dump station.  Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.  

Campsites can be booked here up to 6 months in advance.  Now, you might be wondering how much it costs to camp here.  So let’s take a look!

Camping Prices

Camping can be an amazing way to get away without breaking the bank.  So let’s take a look at the prices.  

**Disclaimer: These prices do not include taxes/fees.  This is just to give you an idea of cost.**

Tent Site

• $25 per night 
• $175 per week

Camper/RV Site

• $37 per night 
• $259 per week

Yurt

• $90 per night 
• $630 per week

Deluxe Cabin

• $144 per night 
• $1008 per week

Again, these prices are just to give you an idea of a budget.  The prices can and will change.  

But now that you can decide whether or not to stay here, let’s check out some other things to do in the area.

Things To Do in the Area

When visiting Cape Lookout State Park, there are some awesome sites nearby that you must see!  First up is Tunnel Beach, which is an awesome beach just north of the state park.  You’ll literally walk through a tunnel and exit to a secluded beach (go a low tide for best results).

Next is Cape Meares State Park. This park has a beautiful lighthouse, some cool hiking, and even a little beach to hike down to.  The views here of 3 Arch Rock are also pretty cool.  

And finally, there are all the typical things to do and see in Tillamook.  There is obviously the Tillamook Cheese/Ice Cream tours, there is also Pelican Brewing, and there is de Garde Brewing.  This is one of only 3 breweries in the US that use spontaneous brewing.  All of these are definitely worth a stop!

Conclusion

With so much to do and see within the park, and so much to do and see nearby, you’ll love visiting Cape Lookout State Park!  Whether you want a relaxing beach day, a camping trip, to take a hike, or just a homebase for other nearby must-sees, it’s a great park to visit or stay in.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at averagewildexperience@gmail.com.

-Happy Hiking and Camping!