Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect one of the last remnants of coastal old growth forest. Huge Sitka spruce and western hemlock, some over 200 feet tall and hundreds of years old, provide habitat for federally threatened bird species, including bald eagles.

Cape Meares Refuge offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Spring is the best time to view the peregrine falcons and nesting common murres on coastal rocks. During the winter months, you can see a different assortment of wildlife from the headland, including migrating gray whales, three species of scoters, western grebes, and common loons.

A pair of peregrine falcon, a species recovered from the brink of extinction, has nested on the refuge since 1987. A wildlife viewing deck offers visitors a glimpse into the eyrie, or nest site, of a falcon pair from early March through June providing an unparalleled opportunity to witness the magic of the fastest animal on the planet.