Cape Disappointment State Park

This place is a natural area covering roughly 2,023 acres (819 hectares) along the Pacific shore near the Columbia River entrance in Washington. Pine forests grow across the grounds, salt marshes reach the shoreline, and dunes separate the tree line from the sandy tidal zone.

A British navigator gave this coast its name in 1788 after he failed to find access to the large river. Four years later an American captain sailed through the bay successfully and confirmed the course of the entrance.

The coastal area carries its name from a British captain who searched this shoreline without success and sailed away frustrated. Today hikers visit both lighthouses along steep paths that run beside the cliffs and offer direct views over the river.

Visitors can use 137 camping spots with standard sites, RV spaces, yurts, and cabins, and walk eight miles (13 kilometers) of trails through the area. The paths run along steep slopes, through wooded sections, and up to the lighthouse viewpoints.

Two working lighthouses from the 19th century remain in operation and send their light signals across the water, while one of the buildings has stayed active since 1856. From the taller tower the beam points toward the stormy waves that break around offshore rocks.

Location: Pacific County

Operator: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Part of: Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks

Website: http://parks.wa.gov/486/Cape-Disappointment

GPS coordinates: 46.29120,-124.07200

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29