{"id":786,"date":"2023-06-27T12:53:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/?p=786"},"modified":"2023-06-27T13:10:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T20:10:19","slug":"cape-disappointment-state-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/cape-disappointment-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"A Visitor\u2019s Guide to Cape Disappointment State Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Welcome to Pacific Northwest paradise. You\u2019re about to be one happy camper. Cape Disappointment State Park consists of nearly 2,000 acres of protected old-growth forest, lakes, freshwater, and saltwater marshes pressed against the vast blue Pacific Ocean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A coastline dotted with picturesque lighthouses, meandering hiking paths with historic significance, and endless opportunities for recreation means it\u2019s the perfect place for a family adventure or romantic day trip from your Long Beach vacation home rental<\/a>. One of the most historic of Washington\u2019s state parks, it is excellent for a thrilling natural history experience and is a must to add to your Long Beach itinerary<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s dig into what makes this incredible little park a great year-round holiday destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cape Disappointment was first dubbed disappointing by Captain John Meares, a fur trader circa 1788, who thought the vast waters of the bay were actually the mouth of the Columbia River. It\u2019s actually just southwest of this point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is also nicknamed the \u201cGraveyard of the Pacific\u201d due to the treacherous shipwrecks that have occurred in its seemingly tranquil waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first recorded<\/em><\/strong> sighting of Cape Disappointment State Park was far earlier and by Spanish explorer Bruno Heceta in 1775. Heceta anointed the cape with the name \u201cCape San Roque.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cape Disappointment is also known as Fort Canby State Park. After the fort of the same name was erected in 1875, the area was renamed Fort Canby and then renamed back to Cape Disappointment in the 1950s when the military fort was officially decommissioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park\u2019s real claim to fame is that it marked the end of the Lewis & Clark expedition across America in the year 1805. From here, Clark gazed upon the Pacific Ocean and recorded that they were, \u201cbeholding with astonishment the high waves dashing against the rocks and this immense ocean<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the Civil War, many military battlements were created at this strategic point to fend off Confederate soldiers. One such fort was Fort Canby. Many of these military relics are popular destinations with history buffs today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to visit the park is summer or fall. <\/strong>This is when the weather is the most comfortable, and most of the attractions in the area are open for business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The western coast of Washington is known for its sometimes moody gray weather one moment and beaming sunshine the next. So plan your visit for June through September for the best chance of reveling in the sun while you admire the Cape Disappointment lighthouse or swim at Waikiki Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t care so much about sunshine, good news! The park is still perfect for visitors at any time of year. In fact, the wintertime is excellent for paying a visit to the Lewis and Clark interpretive center and diving into the region’s extensive history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a smidge southwest of Ilwaco and its iconic Fort Columbia, Cape Disappointment State Park is cradled at the confluence of Oregon and Washington State. It\u2019s an easy 10 minutes drive south of Long Beach<\/a>, or a half an hours drive north of Astoria, Oregon<\/a>, along scenic Route 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout Cape Disappointment State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where Does the Name Come From?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Cape By Another Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Cape and Fort Rolled into One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Last Stop for Lewis and Clark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Strategic Position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Best Time To Visit Cape Disappointment State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting to Cape Disappointment State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n