Where Is Cape Disappointment?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cape Disappointment is a headland of the Pacific Northwest, located at

the extreme southwestern corner of Washington, United States

, on the north side of the Columbia River bar and just west of Baker Bay.

Why do they call it Cape Disappointment?

Though the cape was first mapped by Spanish explorer Bruno de Hezeta in 1775, its naming is credited to

English Captain John Meares

, who approached the cape in 1788, but could not locate the river’s entrance. Meares, therefore, named the headland Cape Disappointment.

Can you visit the Cape Disappointment lighthouse?

You can visit the

lighthouse grounds by parking at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

and making a short, but steep, 1.5-mile hike. The trailhead for the Cape Disappointment Trail is on the left side of the parking lot. … If you aren’t up for a hike, you can view the lighthouse from the interpretive center.

Where is Cape Disappointment State Park Washington?

Cape Disappointment State Park (formerly Fort Canby State Park) is a public recreation area on Cape Disappointment, located

southwest of Ilwaco, Washington

, on the bottom end of Long Beach Peninsula, the northern headlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Can you swim Cape Disappointment State Park?

Near the park’s entrance lies

Waikiki Beach

, the only beach where swimming is considered safe. … Cape Disappointment is the spot where the Lewis and Clark expedition finally reached the mouth of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean via Waikiki Beach.

Can you visit Cape Disappointment?

The

North Head Lighthouse

is the easiest to hike to and is usually open for tours in the summer. The short trail is flat and wide enough that it’s possible to get a wheelchair down it. The ride might be a little bumpy, though! The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse can be viewed from the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

Do you have to pay to get into Cape Disappointment?


A Washington State Park Discovery Pass is required

; an automated pay station is on site. A separate fee is required for the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. For more information, go to: http://parks.state.wa.us/486/Cape-Disappointment.

Why is Cape Disappointment lighthouse closed?

The popular forest trail between Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and the lighthouse is closed in its entirety

because it is deemed hazardous, the state and feds have determined

. … Washington’s oldest lighthouse and the eighth active light on the West Coast, Cape Disappointment was first lit on Oct. 15, 1856.

What did Lewis and Clark do at Cape Disappointment?

Cape Disappointment State Park (Washington)

The Corps hunted for food, mapped the Columbia River and explored the area, including Cape Disappointment. Lewis made a solo trip, then Captain Clark

took a group to survey the coast

, and camped near McKenzie Head.

Can you go inside North Head Lighthouse?

North Head Lighthouse Tours

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean from the second windiest spot in North America. The

lighthouse grounds are open at no charge

, year-round, dawn until dusk. Call (360) 642-3078 for details just before your visit.

Is there cell service at Cape Disappointment?

Cell phone service is

spotty

; some places we got one bar and others two bars. Overall we enjoyed our stay and will stay there again. Our pictures are of the North Head Lighthouse, I mislabeled them when entering them; the Cape Disappointment lighthouse was off limits by order of the Coast Guard when we were there.

Is Cape Disappointment dog friendly?

The largest state park in Washington, Cape Disappointment is anything but.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and in the campground

. … The beaches of this awe-inspiring park are also open to leashed dogs, making this a great spot for beach time with your pup.

Is camping allowed on Long Beach Washington?

The campground is right on the beach, with a path through the sand dunes leading to the ocean. South of Long Beach, several

campgrounds allow tent camping

, although they are not on the beach. Among them is a a 37-acre KOA campground with 60 RV sites and 60 tent sites.

What time is high tide at Cape Disappointment?

12:01 AM low -0.2 ft. 6:50 AM high 5.6 ft. 11:45 AM low 2.9 ft.
6:15 PM

high 7.7 ft.

How do I get to the Cape Disappointment in Dead Man’s Cove?

  1. You need to drive to the Lewis + Clark interpretive Center which is located at: 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624.
  2. Park in the parking lot and take the LEFT hiking path. …
  3. Be aware that there is a Coast Guard station there and you must stay on the actual path.

Is Long Beach a state park?

Long Beach Area State Parks.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.