Cape Meares Refuge is located on a small headland just south of Tillamook Bay on the northern Oregon coast. It is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint.

Designated as a research natural area in 1987, it protects one of the few remaining stands of coastal old growth forest in Oregon. The Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including threatened species such as northern spotted owls, bald eagles, and marbled murrelets.

Vertical sea cliffs provide nesting habitat for peregrine falcons and thousands of seabirds such as Brandt's and pelagic cormorants, common murres, tufted puffins, pigeon quillemots, western gulls, and black oystercatchers. Migrating loons, grebes, and flocks of shorebirds, and waterfowl are also commonly observed.

Marine mammals, including California and Stellar's sea lions, harbor seals, and gray whales can often be seen from this overlook. The Oregon Coast Trail runs through the refuge, connecting the community of Cape Meares with the refuge.

Two fully accessible wildlife viewing decks provide visitors with an overview of the Cape Meares' visitors are able to see three National Wildlife Refuges and two National Wilderness areas from a single spot!

Cape Meares Refuge is approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon on the Three Capes Scenic Route.