The first question you’ll likely have upon visiting Cape Disappointment State Park is, “Why does it have such a somber name?” It dates back to the Lewis and Clark era, when Captain John Meares failed in his attempt to find the Columbia River. Though his displeasure is reflected in the park’s title, today join many other visitors who experience the opposite of disappointment when visiting this beautiful coastal site.
Combining a rugged Pacific Northwest beach vacation with a historical adventure, the state park has attractions for everyone. Visit lighthouses atop windswept cliffs, listening to the waves thunder against the rocks below. Dig for clams on Benson Beach. Venture out by boat from Baker Bay. Head to the North Jetty to try fishing for salmon and crab.
With 8 miles (13 kilometers) of hiking trails, Cape Disappointment offers trekkers plenty of choices. Walk through ancient forests, to freshwater lakes, along saltwater marshes and across tide pools. Take the Bell’s View Trail, an easy route with a view of the beach. Try the more challenging North Head Trail, connecting to McKenzie Head and an old gun battery, part of the remains of Fort Canby. Complete your trip by hiking to one or both of the park’s two working lighthouses.
Stop at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to learn about the expedition of the Corps of Discovery and the region’s Native American and maritime history. This is also a great spot to get a panoramic photo of both the Columbia Pacific Confluence and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.
If you’d like to spend more than a day at Cape Disappointment, reserve one of the available yurts, cabins or historic vacation homes. Advance reservations are recommended.
Find Cape Disappointment 1 miles (1.5 kilometers) south of Ilwaco. The park is open daily year round. Purchase a one-day or annual pass. Pay extra fees to visit the interpretive center and lighthouse.
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