CAPE D
CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT IS A POPULAR 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
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.
C
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 2018, North Head
is undergoing major renovations and will be
closed to tours beginning in early July. Call the
park for updated information at 360-642-3078.
Visitors younger than 7 may not climb up into
the lighthouse.
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 structures at Fort Canby.
Pick up a hiking trail map from the park — office
or the interpretive center.
DISCOVERY COAST 2018-19 • DiscoverOurCoast.com • 7