English captain, John Mears, tried to find the entrance of a river. When he arrived at this point, he dubbed Cape Disappointment because it appeared to him there was no river, which was a letdown. After all, a river would be helpful in hunting. In 1792, American explorer Robert Gray was able to be the first to navigate to the river later.
This is where Washington’s very own state park gets its name!
Cape Disappointment may lead you to believe that this state park is disappointingly lacking in activities. Yet, we assure you it’s not true! There is plenty of adventure and beauty to be found here.
Enjoy this list of ten things to do in and around Cape Disappointment State Park for you!
There are plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking, boating, equestrian and biking trails, and even paragliding. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of local attractions to enjoy. So grab your friends or family members – because it’s time we took advantage of all this fantastic state park.
Cape Disappointment State Park Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.1 miles one way
Type of Trail: There & Back
The two-mile out and back trail starting by Waikiki Cove is a great way to get some fresh air with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The route takes you through lush forests before leading onto an old viewpoint that provides impressive panoramic landscape photography, perfect for all skill levels!
The lighthouses at Cape Henry and North Head are two of the most popular attractions in this area. A short 1.1 mile out there-and-back trail will give you a taste of what’s to come. The starting point is the parking lot near Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a great place to learn historical facts about the area.
The lighthouse and its views are worth a visit, even if you can only make it for part of the day. The trail leading up to it is beautiful.
Why not spend your next vacation in one of these 8 Stunning Hot Springs near Salt Lake City, Utah
North Head Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2.2 miles one way
Type of Trail: There & Back
Hikes in the State park are amazing! One of my favorite trails is North Head Trail. This there-and-back adventure has a moderate trail. Still, it’s also six miles long, so be prepared for some great views and be ready for a longer hike; bring water and snacks.
The North Head Trail
The trail is one of the most popular destinations in this area because it leads to a fantastic lagoon. The views are beautiful, and there are plenty of scenes to entertain kids.
A great way to spend a day exploring would be starting at Beards Hollow Overlook. Before getting down into McKenzie Head Lagoon, you can enjoy lunch. Take it easy by sitting under some majestic big old trees while watching all kinds of birds fly overhead.
The trail is a good length for most people, but there are shorter options if you want to make it easier on your feet. The overgrown areas will be easy enough once we get closer to the end of summer when everything gets lush.
North Head Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment State Park
This trail offers a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean from a lighthouse! You can choose between two paths, one being 0.6 miles long and taking around 30 minutes to complete, or if you’re looking for something longer.
There’s also our North Head Lighthouse Loop Trail which is just under 1 mile in length. But don’t forget that it passes by some beautiful homes along its journey, so make sure not to miss these while going round trip.
McKenzie Head
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.6 miles
Type of Trail: There & Back
This trail is excellent for catching stunning views of Cape Disappointment State Park! It’s only 0.6 miles long and will take you up to the top, where you will find this summit enables breathtaking views.
The Bunkers at McKenzie Head
For those who want to explore a less crowded area, try the old military bunkers and artillery mounts at Fort McKenzie State Historic Site.
You can also find historical markers explaining how Lewis & Clark made their way across America. With these structures as shelter during winter months when they were frozen solid!
The shorter route will take about 30 minutes while still moderate due to its steepness. Having a picnic in this park is the best way to unwind, and you can expect decent privacy, not boasting too many crowds.
Cape Disappointment Discovery Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.2 miles
Type of Trail: There & Back
The trail offers a rugged and serene experience that is perfect for those looking to escape it all.
The Cape Disappointment State Park Discovery Trail leads to one of America’s most beautiful beaches. Its pristine coastlines provide an awe-inspiring backdrop against which you can enjoy your morning coffee or sunset as waves crashing on shore fill up more space!
The Discovery Trail at Long Beach eventually leads to Cape Disappointment State Park! Bikers can still explore by foot, though not permitted in some trail areas. Pay attention to signage if you’re biking because bikes aren’t allowed into this part either.
The Discovery Trail has an out and back route, so you can cycle or walk for as far on your journey before turning around at any point.
The hike is 5.2 miles one way, and you can start at any trailhead. Still, it would be best to begin in earnest with this first leg as there are multiple starting points for each individualized journey!
The Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park
The gorgeous beaches of Waikiki are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The name “Waikiki” comes from one Hawaiian soldier who washed up on shore.
Still, it also serves as an essential link between California’s Gold Rush history with Oregon’s frontier legacy in Washington State.
Driftwood at Waikiki Beach
Nowadays, this scenic little beach is tucked between two cliffs that overlook the ocean and offer perfect views for relaxing. It is popular with surfers because of its small break but also makes an excellent picnic spot or place to lay down under sunblock!
The crashing waves are a perfect background for relaxing on this little beach. This is one of my favorite spots because it has such great views, especially if you get lucky enough to be here during stormy days!
Benson Beach
The Northern beaches of Washington are a secret treasure trove for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some time in nature.
This two-mile stretch near North Head Lighthouse offers an unparalleled view, with no road nearby, so you’ll feel yourself relax as soon as your feet hit golden sand!
Benson Beach and the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment State Park
If you’re looking for a perfect getaway to relax, enjoy nature and take in all this beautiful area has to offer, go no further than The Cliffs by the lighthouse!
You can explore plenty of trails along with rocks and sea stacks. If it is too much trouble getting down there, be sure not to miss out on appreciating what’s up top.
Including our favorite landmark-the jetty stretches southward into deep water past dangerous areas, so don’t venture too far unless you have assistance.
Camping at Cape Disappointment State Park
A state park is a perfect place to camp if you want some facilities and access to electricity.
There are 137 campsites with full hookups, 50 of which are equipped with air conditioning! There is Wi-Fi available as well
The amenities here ensure anyone who visits will be happy no matter what. Adventure awaits them outside standard campfire songs.
Cape Disappointment is famous for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Still, there are other ways to enjoy this national park.
Hikers will be thrilled by 14 yurts offering basic accommodations and fantastic outdoor adventures outside their doorsteps!
If you want privacy and tranquility in your own space while surrounded by nature— book one of these rustic cabins or vacation houses today.
The campsites also have basic facilities available if you need them – without any roof overhead.
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is an educational and engaging museum that captures the history of this dynamic region. With interactive displays, ship models in full detail to provide insight into how people lived here before railroads arrived or even electricity!
From Chinookan Culture through time, you can explore our communities’ past lifestyles by traveling down generations. – from logging & fishing up to tourism today on North Beach Peninsula, where there’s also a Train Station ready so visitors can rely on that transportation.
Marsh's Free Museum
This is a treasure trove of a curiosity shop with antique knickknacks, trinkets, sea shells, gifts, and more. The fascinating shop satisfies your clutter fascination.
Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation
West Coast Cranberries has the best bogs to visit year-round! Their walking tours are self-guided so that you can explore their fields anytime. If harvest season or berries ripens in September, take our word for it.
This tour will be worth your while as landscapes become speckled with color across wide open spaces filled only by birdsong. And maybe some cows too, who knows where they go during off hours from all I’ve seen.
So enjoy Cape Disappointment for the genuinely fantastic beauty it offers all year long.
