The Oregon Coast is a beautiful place to visit, but we often don’t realize the rich history that exists here — both wonderful and terrible. There’s one scenic spot that was the site of a terrible tragedy in 1943 and most people have no idea that it occurred. It is the site of the Cape Lookout plane crash and it is a story that will break your heart.

Cape Lookout is a jaw-dropping spot between Pacific City and Oceanside. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State
It is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean and it's absolutely stunning. In our experience, you can spend all day simply watching the waves, walking along the shore looking for sand dollars, and observing wildlife.
Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State
But if you ever visit when it's foggy in the early morning, it has a haunting beauty that feels otherworldly. The fog that rolls in here can completely cover the cape's cliffs, which is what happened one morning in August of 1943 when a terrible tragedy occurred here.
Asuka Westbrook/Alltrails
On August 1, 1943, World War II was raging. Some U.S. troops were engaged abroad, while others were patrolling the coast at home.
Ernesto Andrade/flickr
That morning at 9 a.m., a flight crew aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress, similar to the one pictured here, took off from Pendleton Field on a mission. They were supposed to fly to Cape Disappointment, head out to the open sea for 500 miles, then return to Pendleton. The mission was supposed to be the crew's last along the Oregon Coast. After they returned to Pendleton, they were heading off on a two-week furlough, then would be deployed overseas.

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The fog was thick and heavy, so the pilot decided to try to fly below it to find Cape Disappointment. They dropped down, down, down ... until they were flying just 50-100 feet above the water. But the fog reached all the way to the waves below.
Jonathan Ellinger/Alltrails
They started to climb back up into the sky, but there was almost no visibility. As the plane reached about 900 feet, it slammed into the side of Cape Lookout, traveling about 200 miles per hour.
Because of the rough terrain and low visibility, it took rescuers a long time to reach the crash site.
Jamison Paul/Alltrails
There was just one lone survivor, Wilbur Perez. It took rescue crews more than 36 hours to rescue him, as he had rolled off the side of the cliff and was clinging to the plane's propeller, which had been jammed into the mud. Though other crew members initially survived the impact, they died before help arrived.
Nine young men perished that fateful day.
Terry Russell/Alltrails
A plaque is installed near where the crash took place. It lists each of the men, along with their rank and title. The survivor, Wilbur Perez, passed away in 2009 in Escondido, California.
We recommend you take the Cape Lookout Trail to see this memorial. It's a little piece of history that will certainly flood you with emotions.
Mitchell Radigan/Alltrails
The trail is 4.7 miles, out and back. It has an elevation gain of 810 feet, and on a clear day, you'll witness some beautiful views of the Pacific. To find the trailhead, take the Three Capes Scenic Highway west for about 13 miles and follow the signs.

Have you heard of the Cape Lookout WWII plane crash? Have you ever spent time at Cape Lookout in Oregon? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. You can learn more about the Cape Lookout Trail on AllTrails but before you begin your trek, make sure to check out our ultimate hiking list!

If you love to learn about Oregon’s history, you’ll enjoy these 13 photos from the early 1900s.

For even more Oregon Coast adventures, check out the following Only In Your State video.

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Cape Lookout Plane Crash In Oregon

Courtnie Erickson | December 14, 2023

What are some other things to do at Cape Lookout State Park in Oregon?

While Cape Lookout State Park is home to the Oregon Coast plane crash mentioned in the article above, there is much more to do and see in this charming park. In fact, this Oregon state park may be my family’s favorite destination and we could spend days exploring and enjoying the beauty found here. If you are searching for even more things to do at Cape Lookout, consider the following:

  • Have a picnic at the beautiful day-use area
  • Go camping at this state park campground
  • Go for a hike. There are numerous hikes at this park including the short and family-friendly Nature Trail
  • Search for sand dollars along the shore
  • Sit on the beach and watch the waves roll in

 

Are there waterfalls along the Oregon Coast?

Yes! There is something absolutely magical about the coastal waterfalls in Oregon. While some of these are easily accessible, others do require a bit of a trek. If you are searching for several of the best coastal waterfalls in Oregon to explore, consider adding the following to your bucket list:

 

Take a look at this ultimate bucket list of waterfalls in Oregon you need to visit. And if you plan to visit many of them on a road trip, make sure you plan ahead and check out our road trip packing list.

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Cape Lookout State Park, 13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA