Cape Disappointment State ParkAbout Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park is a Washington state park located at the mouth of the Columbia River on the southwestern tip of Washington State. The park preserves coastal headlands, historic lighthouse sites and recreational facilities near Ilwaco and the Long Beach Peninsula.
Key attractions include historic lighthouses, interpretive exhibits about regional maritime history and trails that lead to coastal viewpoints. Visitors use the park for hiking, camping, tidepooling and coastal observation.
The area has long been important for navigation at the Columbia’s entrance and later for recreation and historic preservation; the state park manages both natural and cultural resources.
The park sits on headlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River entrance, adjacent to coastal communities on the Long Beach Peninsula in southwestern Washington.
- Viewpoints and wildlife: The park provides cliff-top viewpoints over the mouth of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean; these are popular for storm watching and seasonal marine wildlife sightings.
- Facilities: Park facilities include day-use areas, picnic sites, campgrounds and a network of trails that range from short viewpoints to longer coastal routes.
What to See#
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse: The original Cape Disappointment Lighthouse sits on the cliff edge and is interpreted for visitors; it overlooks the mouth of a major river and the Pacific Ocean.
- North Head Lighthouse: A second historic light and keeper’s complex on the North Head area is also present and interpreted as part of the park’s maritime history.
- Lewis and Clark interpretive center: A staffed interpretive center covers the Lewis and Clark expedition, local maritime history and regional marine environments, with exhibits and seasonal programming.
Best Time to Visit Cape Disappointment State Park
Best in summer for mild weather and clearer views; storm season in late fall and winter offers dramatic coastal scenery for prepared visitors.
Weather & Climate near Cape Disappointment State Park
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2036 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 3° - 10° | 3° | 295 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 3° - 11° | 4° | 244 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 219 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 13° | 7° | 147 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 73 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 20° | 16° | 43 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 87 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 171 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 302 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 3° - 10° | 3° | 318 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cape Disappointment State Park
From Ilwaco, WA, follow SR-100/Fort Canby Road to Cape Disappointment State Park. From Long Beach or Astoria, follow coastal routes and signage to the park. Parking lots are near the lighthouse and Visitor Center.
Tips for Visiting Cape Disappointment State Park
- Arrive at the North Head Lighthouse area at low tide for the dramatic exposed sandbar and to see migrating shorebirds.
- Take the short trail to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse for history and views rather than parking at the busiest viewpoints.
- Watch for fog-visibility can change fast and alter coastal viewpoints.