Cape Disappointment State Park
RV Guide

Cape Disappointment is one of the few parks that offer metal detection as a recreational activity. Around 236 acres of the beach is reserved for metal detection. While you are not guaranteed to find anything, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day looking for treasure. You will have to bring your own device and are required to have the staff investigate your find to see if it has any historical value. As long as the park’s staff gives you the go-ahead, then you can keep any treasure that you find.

There are eight miles of hiking trails waiting to be discovered at Cape Disappointment State Park. Each trail has a clear sign and mileage so you can know how much you want to challenge yourself on any given day. The trails are paved and well maintained, and they are all pet-friendly as long as your pet remains on its leash. Keep in mind that some trails will be more challenging than others, so if you have any questions about what trails to explore, we recommend asking one of the friendly park staff.

Cape Disappointment State Park is a great place to observe the different types of birds that call the park home. You will see a large variety of sea and land birds going about their days, such as the winter wren, red crossbills, and fox swallow. The park provides a good habitat and resources to aid migratory and seasonal birds. You will definitely want to bring your binoculars in your camper to catch some of the yellowthroats and song swallows. One of the best ways to go birding is to walk along a few of the trails with a snack and your bird checklist. How fun!

Cape Disappointment State Park is readily equipped to handle any of your boating needs, thanks to a boat launch ramp located at Baker Bay. The ramp will allow you to access the main river mouth the Columbia River so that you can have some fun out on the water, or if you are experienced and prepared, you can also use it to go out to sea. There is also a 135-foot dock that you can use during your stay. If you plan on taking a boat out, you will need to have a daily launch permit that you can purchase at the park office.

Along with containing a wide variety of bird species, Cape Disappointment State Park is home to many other animals that you may get to spot during your visit. In the wooded areas of the park, it is quite common to see black-tailed deer, and sometimes bears will even make their way down to the beach area looking for food. If you visit the park at the end of December or early in January, you may also get to see some magnificent gray whales from the cliffs during their migration. If you are interested in whale watching, make sure you do so at the North Head as this is the best vantage point.

Each year the park opens its trails and backcountry in early-November and closes in late-April for winter recreation activities. You are required to buy a Sno-Park permit to use the designated area, which is different from the normal park pass. Sno-Park offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tubing, and playing in the snow. The Sno-Park is perfect for all ages to enjoy the winter weather. It is recommended that you bundle up and take necessary precautions when traversing the snowy backcountry. Keep an eye on the weather and be sure to watch out for the occasional avalanche.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center celebrates the significant milestone of the Lewis and Clark Expedition that ended in 1805 at the mouth of the Columbia River. The center offers tours, souvenirs, and a detailed history of their journey. There is a small fee associated with viewing the center, but those under seven are allowed to enter at no cost to you. So park your rig at the center, which sits atop a 200-foot cliff facing the Pacific Ocean with a beautiful view of the sea.

Cape Disappointment State Park offers both sea and freshwater fishing. You may fish from the shoreline or take a boat out on the water. If you plan to go on the water, then you must have the proper boating license and permit. As long as you have a Washington state valid fishing license, you can take home salmon, steelhead, halibut, or Dungeness crab. Be sure to check the weather before you go on the water, as you might encounter fog or the seasonal rain that Washington state is known for. You can find bait and rods in the stores near the park if you don't have your own fishing gear.

During your visit to Cape Disappointment State Park, there are plenty of great options available for those who are looking to have a picnic. For a beachside picnic, you can't beat throwing out a blanket at either Benson Beach or Waikiki Beach and watching the waves crash into the shore. There are also 20 picnic tables scattered throughout the park that are more suited to accommodate multiple guests. All of these picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Initially constructed in 1898, North Head Lighthouse was the second lighthouse built at the cape due to boats continually being shipwrecked in the dangerous conditions off the coast. The lighthouse is still in use today (although no longer operated by a lighthouse keeper), and you can visit this impressive structure yourself between May and September on a lighthouse tour. The tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the area, and the views from the top will be simply stunning. Please note that the carpark at the lighthouse does not accommodate RVs, and there is a small fee for the tour.