About
Cape Lookout is a designated Marine Conservation Area
Marine Conservation Area regulatory restrictions vary by site. Cape Lookout is designated as such to educate, monitor, and apply ecosystem-based management to conserve the ecological structure of the rocky habitat species facing effects of changing climate. There are no changes to the existing statewide harvest regulations for fish, invertebrates, or plants, except subtidal kelp harvest is now closed*.
Features
Key Resources
Two seabird colony sites on the south cliff face with over 10,000 birds total (Oregon's largest mainland common murre colony; double-crested, pelagic, and Brandt's cormorant; pigeon guillemot; western gull; tufted puffin; black oystercatcher; bald eagle; peregrine falcon); productive and diverse rocky intertidal habitat; one of the only bull kelp (Nereocystis) beds on the north coast. Harbor seals use rocks in the area as a haulout.
Site Uses
Typical use of the adjacent ocean shore area and trails includes beachcombing, dog walking, surfing, and sightseeing. Trail hiking through the forest to the tip of the cape for whale watching and general scenic views appears to be the primary use of the cape. Actual use of the rocky shore areas is relatively low because few visitors hike to the intertidal area from the cape trail. Surfers, SCUBA divers and boats seeking protection from the wind use the ocean waters below the south cliff face. Camp Clark uses the rocky intertidal area for outdoor education. Use of the northern beach (off the campground) is much higher and includes sport fishing from shore, beachcombing and other general ocean shore recreational activities.
Access
The site is located within Cape Lookout State Park, which is off US 101, approximately 12 miles southwest of Tillamook, Oregon on the Three Capes Scenic Route. Access to the south end intertidal areas is possible either via a private access point at the Camp Clark Boy Scout camp to the south or via a long, steep trail from Cape Lookout State Park. A trail traverses the entire length of the cape and in places is at the top of the south cliff face. There is no access down the face of the cliff.
Access from the Cape Lookout State Park day-use area is on a moderate to difficult, semi-improved dirt trail (the North Trail) which winds 2.3 miles to the trailhead parking area (see below), this takes about an hour at a moderate pace.
The trailhead parking area (to the south of the actual park) provides direct access to the South Trail (1.8 mi. semi-improved moderately difficult), which splits off from the Cape Trail, and winds down to the beach
To gain visual access to much of the cape, including many views of the rocky shore below, take the Cape Trail from the trailhead parking area. From there, the walk follows an easy to moderate semi-improved dirt path with some portions covered by wooden walkways (over the wet areas). This hike takes approximately one hour to the tip of Cape Lookout at a moderate pace. In some sections it becomes necessary to climb over roots and fallen trees. Other visual access is afforded at Anderson Lookout, approximately 2 minutes (driving time) south of the park.
Management
Site Management
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the entire cape (as Cape Lookout State Park) for general recreation and natural resource use. Cape Lookout State Park is part of OPRD Area 1 and the Cape Lookout Management Unit.
Cape Lookout was designated as a Marine Conservation Area in 2024. The original site proposal document can be found here: Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Site Proposal, 2020
Regulations
No take of shellfish and other invertebrates in the intertidal except clams, Dungeness crab, red rock crab, mussels, piddocks, scallops, and shrimp may be taken.
Ownership
- Submerged and intertidal lands: Department of State Lands;
- the beach and upland are owned by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as Cape Lookout State Park.
Management Plan
Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Planning
The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on
Rocky Habitat Management Plans
OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans. OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, Newport, Coquille, and Port Orford.
Public Comment Opportunity on the Site Management Plans:
Read the Draft Plans:
- Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
- Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan
Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:
- Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
- Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table
Comments are due February 2, 2026
When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.
Email comments to: "
Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.
Please reach out to Andy Lanier, the Marine Affairs Coordinator with any questions, comments, or to request more information,
