Cape Meares Lighthouse is small by lighthouse standards, but its setting is excellent: a cliff-edge perch above a ragged stretch of Pacific coast, with waves below and seabirds riding the wind. The walk from the parking area is short and paved, so it works well when you want a coastal viewpoint without committing to a longer hike.
The lighthouse interior is usually a seasonal visit rather than an always-open one. Even when the building is closed, the viewpoint and surrounding headland are worth the detour from Tillamook.