What is the name of the historic lighthouse in Cape Meares, Oregon, and when was it first lit?

The historic lighthouse in Cape Meares, Oregon is called the Cape Meares Lighthouse. It was first lit on January 1, 1890 and served as a navigational aid for mariners in Tillamook Bay for over 70 years. The lighthouse is located on the northern Oregon coast, about 10 miles west of the town of Tillamook.

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is notable for its unique lens system, which consists of a first-order Fresnel lens that stands 8 feet tall and weighs 2 tons. This lens, which is one of only a few first-order lenses still in operation on the Pacific Coast, is made up of 320 hand-ground glass prisms that refract light into a beam visible for up to 21 miles out to sea.

Today, the Cape Meares Lighthouse is part of the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and is open to visitors to explore. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room and view the historic lens up close, as well as take in panoramic views of the coast and nearby wildlife refuge.