Cape Disappointment is the southwesternmost location in Washington. And despite its name, there is absolutely nothing disappointing about it. Located on the north side of the Columbia River bar and just west of Baker Bay, this is a remote destination that requires some real dedication to reach. But it’s worth it, especially if you go for a hike.
Cape Disappointment State Park spans over 2,000 acres on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean and looking into the mouth of the Columbia River.
Bill Grace / alltrails.com The park is open year-round for camping and day use, although you’ll need a Discover Pass to enter.
Cape Disappointment’s most prominent feature is the iconic lighthouse standing tall on top of the windswept cliffs.
Mykhailo Tymenko / alltrails.com But there’s a lot more to it than that. And with over 13 miles of trails to explore, it’s easy and fun to investigate.
The main Cape Disappointment Trail is about two miles long, and it’s a great hike for all skill levels.
Dean Banks / alltrails.com The trek will require some agility, but most moderately experienced hikers can handle it without a problem.
On this hike, you’ll take a clear path through a lush, green forest before taking a steep descent into the cove.
Dean Banks / alltrails.com Between the old-growth forest, lakes, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and the occasional wildlife, you just might feel like you’ve entered another (better) world.
Fort Canby is an old military fort that dates all the way back to 1863.
Jason Ross / alltrails.com It was established during the U.S. Civil War and deactivated after World War II. Not many people know this place exists, so stumbling upon it during a hike is pretty exciting.
The old bunkers feel more like a forest kingdom than a military fort thanks to the greenery growing around them.
Robert Greer / alltrails.com Cape Disappointment is loaded with local history.
And of course, you can’t beat the views from the cove.
Steven Surdi / alltrails.com In fact, this trail is so full of breathtaking views, you’ll want to allow most of the day to complete it so you can take them all in.
While you can no longer hike all the way to the lighthouse, this trail is still remarkable.
Kamal Ahmed / alltrails.com Cape Disappointment belongs on every Washingtonian’s bucket list.
Have you ever gone hiking at Cape Disappointment State Park?
Bill Grace / alltrails.com
The park is open year-round for camping and day use, although you’ll need a Discover Pass to enter.
Mykhailo Tymenko / alltrails.com
But there’s a lot more to it than that. And with over 13 miles of trails to explore, it’s easy and fun to investigate.
Dean Banks / alltrails.com
The trek will require some agility, but most moderately experienced hikers can handle it without a problem.
Between the old-growth forest, lakes, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and the occasional wildlife, you just might feel like you’ve entered another (better) world.
Jason Ross / alltrails.com
It was established during the U.S. Civil War and deactivated after World War II. Not many people know this place exists, so stumbling upon it during a hike is pretty exciting.
Robert Greer / alltrails.com
Cape Disappointment is loaded with local history.
Steven Surdi / alltrails.com
In fact, this trail is so full of breathtaking views, you’ll want to allow most of the day to complete it so you can take them all in.
Kamal Ahmed / alltrails.com
Cape Disappointment belongs on every Washingtonian’s bucket list.
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Address: Cape Disappointment State Park, 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, USA
