State Parks and National Parks

Cape Disappointment State Park

Guarding Washington's southwestern reaches, this park (previously called Fort Canby State Park) is strategically situated where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.

Constructed in 1863, batteries from the U.S. Army fort remain, affording a view of the mouth of the Columbia.

It was here in 1805 that Lewis and Clark finally reached the Pacific, the primary objective of their great journey. A visitor center at the park commemorates their trek.

The park's 1,881 acres include more than 42,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 7,000 feet of freshwater shoreline along Lake O'Neil.

Walking trails through old-growth forests ascend the steep heads along the shore. Trails leading to the North Head and Cape Disappointment Lighthouses offer outstanding views of the Columbia River bar and Long Beach Peninsula. The headlands are excellent examples of "pillow lava" formations.

A campground includes 190 standard sites, 60 with full hookups and four primitive sites.

Activities include surf and freshwater fishing, boating and clamming. The park has two boat ramps.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Cape Disappointment State Park. Courtesy of Cape Disappointment State Park. Courtesy of Cape Disappointment State Park.