Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park stands at one of the most significant crossroads in American history—where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This 2,000-acre park marks the western terminus of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, features the oldest operating lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest (1856), and is the only place on the West Coast where two lighthouses stand within two miles of each other. With over 1 million visitors in 2024, it’s Washington’s most-visited state park.
Two Historic Lighthouses
Cape Disappointment is the only location on the West Coast where you can visit two lighthouses within such close proximity. Both remain active navigational aids to this day.
| Lighthouse | Built | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Cape Disappointment Light | 1856 | Oldest operating lighthouse in Pacific Northwest; views of Pacific, Oregon & Astoria Bridge |
| 💡 North Head Lighthouse | 1898 | Designed by Carl Leick; original lens in interpretive center; keepers’ residences available to rent! |
🏠 Stay in a Lighthouse Keepers’ Residence!
- The historic lightkeepers’ residences at North Head are available for overnight rental
- Experience what life was like as a lighthouse keeper in the early 1900s
- Book well in advance—these are extremely popular accommodations
Lewis & Clark Expedition Endpoint
In November 1805, Meriwether Lewis arrived at Cape Disappointment after an epic 8,000-mile journey from St. Louis—the western goal of the Corps of Discovery. The cape had been named by British trader John Meares in 1788, who mistakenly believed the mouth of the Columbia River was only a bay (hence the “disappointment”).
| Lewis & Clark History | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Arrival | November 1805 |
| 📏 Journey Distance | ~8,000 miles from St. Louis |
| 🏛️ Interpretive Center | 200 feet above surf; exhibits on expedition, lighthouses, Coast Guard, maritime history |
| 🎨 Confluence Project | Maya Lin art installation honoring Lewis & Clark and Chinook people |
| 🏆 Designation | High Potential Historic Site on Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail |
Camping & Accommodations
Cape Disappointment offers diverse overnight options, from beachside yurts to rustic cabins to full-hookup RV sites. Note: Major renovations are underway through summer 2026—check the official website for current availability.
| Accommodation | Quantity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Standard Campsites | 137 | Tents and trailers; tent pads available |
| 🔌 Full-Hookup Sites | 60 | Water, electric, sewer; RVs up to 45 ft |
| 💡 Partial Hookup | 18 | Water and electric only |
| 🚴 Hiker/Biker | 5 | Primitive; first-come first-served |
| 🛖 Yurts | 14 | 16 ft diameter; sleeps 5; electric heat; walk to beach! |
| 🏡 Cabins | 3 | 13×13 ft; sleeps 6; alder forest on Lake O’Neil |
| 🏠 Lighthouse Keepers’ Homes | 2+ | Historic rentals at North Head Lighthouse! |
🏗️ 2025-2026 Renovations
- Campground Loops A-D: Closed for renovations through summer 2026
- Waikiki Beach & North Jetty: Currently closed
- OPEN: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse, Beard’s Hollow
- Available: Lightkeepers’ residences at Cape D and vacation homes at Fort Columbia
- Check official park website for current status
Hiking Trails – 7 Miles
Seven miles of trails wind through the 2,000-acre park, leading to dramatic coastal viewpoints, both lighthouses, and the interpretive center.
| Trail Destination | Features |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Lewis & Clark Center | 200 ft above surf; stunning Pacific panoramas |
| 💡 Cape Disappointment Light | Oldest lighthouse in PNW; ocean overlooks |
| 💡 North Head Lighthouse | 1898 lighthouse; interpretive exhibits; rentable homes |
| 🏖️ Beard’s Hollow | Sheltered beach access; remains open during renovations |
| 🌲 Coastal Forest Loop | Temperate rainforest environment |
Park Facilities & Activities
| Facility/Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Lewis & Clark Center | Indoor exhibits; 200 ft above surf; open year-round |
| 🛒 “Cape D” Store | Firewood, ice, groceries, fishing gear, hot food |
| 🚿 Restrooms/Showers | Flush toilets, hot showers (fee), dump station |
| 🚤 Boat Launch | 1 ramp + 135 ft dock on Baker Bay |
| 🎣 Fishing | Ocean and Columbia River; license required |
| 🏖️ Beaches | Waikiki Beach, Pacific Ocean views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Cape Disappointment?
The name dates to 1788 when British fur trader John Meares sailed along the coast searching for the legendary “River of the West.” He saw the headland but concluded the Columbia River’s mouth was just a bay—not the major river he was seeking. Meares named it “Cape Disappointment” to reflect his frustration. Ironically, it would later become one of America’s most celebrated destinations as the endpoint of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.
Can you tour both lighthouses at Cape Disappointment?
Yes! Cape Disappointment is the only place on the West Coast where two lighthouses are within two miles of each other. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse (1856) is the oldest operating lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest. The North Head Lighthouse (1898) features an interpretive center with the original lens. Even better—you can rent the historic lightkeepers’ residences at North Head for overnight stays!
Is Cape Disappointment State Park open during renovations?
The park is partially open during the 2025-2026 renovations. Campground Loops A-D, Waikiki Beach, and the North Jetty are closed through summer 2026. However, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse area, and Beard’s Hollow remain open. The lightkeepers’ residences and vacation homes at nearby Fort Columbia are also available for overnight stays. Check the official Washington State Parks website for current status.
What is the Confluence Project at Cape Disappointment?
The Confluence Project is a series of art installations by renowned artist Maya Lin (designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial). At Cape Disappointment, the installation interweaves the stories of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery with the history of the Chinook people who had lived in the region for thousands of years. The project includes seven sites along the Columbia River.
Can you stay in a yurt at Cape Disappointment?
Yes! The park features 14 yurts within walking distance of the beach. Each 16-foot diameter yurt sleeps up to 5 people and includes electric heat, lights, a bunk bed (sleeps 3), futon (sleeps 2), picnic table, and fire pit. Note: Pets are not allowed in yurts, and cooking is prohibited inside. Restrooms and showers are nearby. Check current availability during the renovation period.
Is there an entrance fee for Cape Disappointment State Park?
Yes, Cape Disappointment requires a Discover Pass for vehicle access. A day-use pass costs $10, or you can purchase an annual Discover Pass for $30 (valid at all Washington State Parks and recreation lands). Alternatively, you can get a free pass if you volunteer 24 hours at a state park. The fee supports park maintenance and conservation efforts.
⚓ Plan Your Visit to History
Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at the end of their epic journey! Visit the official Cape Disappointment State Park website for current conditions, lighthouse tour schedules, and to book the lightkeepers’ residences before they fill up.
