Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington, USA - map and visitor information
Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco, Washington, overlooks the Pacific and Columbia River mouth. Washington State Parks manages this coastal park. This day visit combines shore views with the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
Views and interpretation
The interpretive center explores the expedition and Chinook, maritime and military history. Its glassed-in deck overlooks the river bar and ocean.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, and seasonal access
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle pass | Discover Pass: USD 10 for one day or USD 45 annually. |
| Day-use hours | 6:30 a.m. to dusk, year-round. |
| Interpretive center | April 1–October 31: daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. November 1–March 31: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Open New Year’s Day. |
| Center admission | Age 18 and older: USD 5. Ages 7–17: USD 2.50. Age 6 and younger: free. |
| North Head Lighthouse | Visitor season: May–September 30. |
| North Jetty project | Scheduled closure January 1, 2027, with reopening anticipated after November 30, 2029. |
| Store construction | Cape D Store closed in 2026 and into 2027. |
Ocean safety
Washington State Parks advises against ocean swimming on the Long Beach Peninsula.
Park rules
Keep dogs leashed. Horses are prohibited. Fires belong only in designated areas. Mushroom collection is closed in one park section. Follow closure signs.
Plan the center visit
The center has a separate admission charge from the vehicle pass. Plan around its winter Wednesday–Sunday schedule. Confirm the interpretive center hours and fees before travel.
Location and access
The park address is 244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco. North Head, the interpretive center and Beards Hollow parking lots cannot accommodate RVs.
Nearby parks
Fort Columbia State Park is a separate road stop at 475 State Route 101, Chinook. Fires are prohibited there. Leadbetter Point State Park is farther north near Ocean Park, with the Leadbetter parking area reached at the end of Stackpole Road. Trails in this low coastal area can flood October–May. Check access before driving out.
Things to do
At the center, combine expedition artifacts, a Fresnel lens and a short film with the observation deck. The exhibits connect navigation, exploration and the people of the river mouth without requiring a beach walk.
Day-use facilities
Unsheltered picnic tables serve day visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the park
Stories at the river mouth
Chinook history forms part of the interpretive center’s story alongside the expedition and later maritime and military history.
Contact
Official Cape Disappointment State Park page. Park: 360-642-3078. Interpretive center: 360-642-3029. Confirm construction and access notices before departure.
Average weather in Cape Disappointment State Park
Temp max
|
Temp min
|
Rain
|
Snow
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 °C | 5 °C | 203 mm | 2 cm |
| Feb | 10 °C | 6 °C | 147 mm | 4 cm |
| Mar | 12 °C | 7 °C | 166 mm | 1 cm |
| Apr | 14 °C | 9 °C | 117 mm | 0 cm |
| May | 17 °C | 11 °C | 69 mm | 0 cm |
| Jun | 18 °C | 13 °C | 45 mm | 0 cm |
| Jul | 20 °C | 14 °C | 10 mm | 0 cm |
| Aug | 21 °C | 15 °C | 16 mm | 0 cm |
| Sep | 20 °C | 14 °C | 64 mm | 0 cm |
| Oct | 16 °C | 11 °C | 155 mm | 0 cm |
| Nov | 12 °C | 8 °C | 208 mm | 0 cm |
| Dec | 9 °C | 5 °C | 222 mm | 2 cm |
Other parks nearby
More parks in Washington
National parks in USA
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