CAPE D
CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT IS A POPULAR
WASHINGTON VACATION DESTINATION
LEWIS AND CLARK
INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
Overlooking the mouth of the
Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean,
the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
features new exhibits and ranger-led
interpretive programs.
Original exhibits, which include
hands-on activities, trace the entire
expedition with particular detail on the
Corps of Discovery’s explorations of the
Columbia River.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive
Center is open daily, year around from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $5,
$2.50 for children ages 7 to 17, kids 6
and under are free. Tours, programs, and
guided hikes are available with an
appointment made in advance. Call
360-642-3029 for more information.
Waikiki Beach in Cape Disappoinment State Park is a favorite place to photograph gigantic breaking waves. — JANE WEBB PHOTO
C
ape Disappointment is one of
Washington state’s most famous and
popular parks. Some of its favorite
features include: a premier campground,
beautiful beaches, public artworks, two
lighthouses, an interpretive center and
miles of hiking trails.
CAMPING: Cape Disappointment State
Park has 152 standard campsites, 83 utility sites,
five primitive campsites, one dump station, eight
restrooms (two ADA) and 14 showers (four
ADA). Maximum site length is 45 feet (may
have limited availability). Camping is available
year-round. To reserve a campsite, call 888-
CAMPOUT or 888-226-7688.
BEACHCOMBING: Take your pick
from three beaches for your beachcombing or
strolling. Waikiki Beach is located where the
North Jetty meets the rocky cape. This beach
is one of the locals’ favorite spots for storm
watching because the waves crash on the cape
here with the Cape Disappointment
Lighthouse in the background. Benson Beach
is the sandy stretch from the North Jetty to
North Head. Hikers can enjoy the lack of
vehicles, the huge driftwood trees and a great
view of the North Head Lighthouse. Beards
Hollow, the southern stretch of the Peninsula,
offers visitors a chance to view tide pools at
low tide near the historic “Fishing Rocks” or
take the Discovery Trail north to Long Beach
or east to Ilwaco.
THE CONFLUENCE PROJECT: The
Confluence Project site is one of seven
locations on the Columbia River where artist
Maya Lin has created places to think. Using
the language of the Chinook people and
members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition,
these artworks put the Bicentennial into a
larger perspective, encouraging the visitor to
re-consider the cultural and natural layers of
history found on the Lower Columbia River.
The site at Cape Disappointment includes a
basalt fish-cleaning table, a Baker Bay
viewing platform, several short trails and an
amphitheater with a view of the ocean.
TWO LIGHTHOUSES: The park offers
access to two historic lighthouses. Cape
Disappointment Lighthouse was lit in 1856,
making it the first in the Pacific Northwest.
The view from the Cape Disappointment light
is astounding. It is reached by a trail starting
at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
North Head Lighthouse is perched on a
headland surrounded by the ocean in all its
glory. In 2017, North Head is undergoing
major renovations and was closed to tours at
the time of this publication. Call the park for
updated
information
at
360-642-
3078.younger than 7 may not climb up into
the light.
HIKING TRAILS: The cape has over
eight miles of hiking trails to choose from.
These trails lead hikers through multiple
ecosystems, from coastal fog forest to the
saltwater marsh to grass-covered dunes. The
rustic trails cut through some impressive huge
old spruce and hemlock trees and often end
up either at a lighthouse or at the abandoned
military structure Fort Canby. Pick up a
hiking trail map from the park — office or the
interpretive center.
DISCOVERY COAST 2017-18 • www.chinookobserver.com • 7