The Cape Meares Light was built in 1890, stood 38 feet high and served as the light station for Tillamook Bay. The lighthouse complex included two keeper′s houses, two oil houses, two cisterns, and was connected to the light by a 1,000 foot walkway. An attached workroom was added in 1895 and a garage in 1934. The light was built of brick, sheathed in sheet iron, and due to its exposure to the elements, required frequent repainting over the years. In 1934, the light received electricity and the oil houses were removed.

The lens was a first order Fresnel lens which had a range of 21 nautical miles, or 24 miles. Open to the public since 1980.