Cape Meares loop road reopens, making coastal residents feel safer

Back in 2013, a large landslide on Cape Meares closed the road between the tiny town and its nearest neighbor, Oceanside.

It meant the only way into the northern Oregon coastal town was along Bayocean Road, which is often blocked.

“At least once a year, if not twice a year, a tree will fall over that road, and we have no way out,” said Beverly Stein, the chair of the Cape Meares Community Association.

Stein said the new road makes her feel safer.

“Having that road open means we now have an escape route if we need it in an emergency,” said Stein, a former chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, who retired to the coast.

The area is thought to be susceptible to tsunamis, earthquakes and wildfire.

She said the road also has other benefits. “There are tremendous views now because when they re-routed the road, they had to do it way up high, otherwise they’d still be in a landslide area,” she said.

The new road opened in November at a cost of $22 million.

“It’s also helpful for people who want to get over to Oceanside,” Stein said.

Luckily for the town, the federal government came up with 90% of the money, partly because the road provides important access to the nearby Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge.

Still, the local topography is such that at points, the new road has a 12% grade, meaning the county will have to close it during wintery weather.