Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Historic lighthouses on a dramatic bluff, offering sweeping Pacific Ocean and Columbia River views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouses on a dramatic bluff, offering sweeping Pacific Ocean and Columbia River views.
"Totally worth a 2-hour drive for this easy and scenic hike to the Lighthouse!"
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends. RV parking is restricted.
🚶♀️ Trail Difficulty Varies
Some trails are easy, others are steep and challenging. Wear appropriate footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Cape Disappointment State Park
Historic lighthouse perched on a bluff, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.
North Head Lighthouse
Cape Disappointment State Park
An additional guiding light built in 1898, offering a different perspective of the coastline and the Columbia River entrance.
Deadman's Cove
Cape Disappointment State Park
A hauntingly beautiful cove with a history of shipwrecks, accessible via trails near the lighthouses.
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Planning Your Visit
Passes & Parking
Trail Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends. RV parking is restricted.
🚶♀️ Trail Difficulty Varies
Some trails are easy, others are steep and challenging. Wear appropriate footwear.
💰 Park Pass Needed
A Discover Pass or $10 day pass is required for entry.
🌊 Coastal Views Galore
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River mouth.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends. RV parking is restricted.
🚶♀️ Trail Difficulty Varies
Some trails are easy, others are steep and challenging. Wear appropriate footwear.
💰 Park Pass Needed
A Discover Pass or $10 day pass is required for entry.
🌊 Coastal Views Galore
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River mouth.
🚻 Restroom Availability
Porta-potties are recommended at trailheads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the hike to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse to be a worthwhile and scenic experience, offering beautiful coastal views. While the trails are generally well-marked and manageable for many, some sections can be steep and challenging. The park requires an entry pass, and parking can be limited during busy periods.
"It was totally worth a 2-hour drive to experience this easy and scenic hike to the Lighthouse!
The trail is very well mentioned and could be done with kids and seniors in average physical shape.
The name of this state park comes from the disappointment experienced by a British fur-trader in 1788, when he thought he had found the mouth to the river, but instead was a shallow Bay!
The mouth to the river was only discovered later, and the River Columbia named after that ship!
The Lighthouse could not be visited. There was an office with staff by the Lighthouse.
Overall enjoyable and easy trail!
One recommendation: to add Porta potty at the beginning of the trail."
Rodica Mihalis
"This lighthouse is quite the hike to get to! A trek through the woods and a steep walk up a mountain but the end destination is well worth it with breathtaking views not only of the lighthouse but also devils cove! This isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues due to the terrane through the woods. Parking is also very limited and RV parking is not permitted. When you look at the map the large parking area is for the government and public access is prohibited."
Justin Brummage
"It is a beautiful view. The lighthouse is a small quaint building on top of a hill. The hike up is just less then a mile and most of it is uphill. You park in a WA state park parking lot so you will need a day pass or a year pass. The signs are well marked for convenience and it really helps. We only went up to the lighthouse but on the way you can see Deadmans cove. They also have a trail to get down to that as well. This whole area is located right on a Coast Guard station, you can see their buildings and sometimes they drive up and down the path. It is a neat little side trip if you are in the area. I would definitely recommend. It is an easy hike."
Kathy Hayden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located within Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, Washington. You'll need to drive to the park and then follow signs for the lighthouse trails. Parking is available within the park, but can be limited.
Public transport options to Cape Disappointment State Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The park has well-marked signs for its various attractions, including the lighthouses and Deadman's Cove. Maps are available at the park entrance.
While you can see Oregon from Cape Disappointment, the lighthouse itself is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like the campground may have seasonal closures for renovations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for entry. Alternatively, you can purchase a $10 day pass at the park kiosk, payable by card.
The lighthouse exterior is visible from the trails, but the interior may not always be accessible for tours. Check with park staff for current access.
The cost is for the park entry pass, which is $10 for a day pass. There is no separate admission fee for the lighthouse itself.
Tickets are not required for the lighthouse itself, only the park entry pass. Day passes can be purchased upon arrival.
The primary way to save is by purchasing an annual Discover Pass if you plan to visit multiple Washington State Parks throughout the year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally described as easy to moderate, with some uphill sections. It's about 1.9 miles out and back with around 377 feet of elevation gain. Some parts can be treacherous.
The trail is manageable for kids and seniors in average physical shape, but the steeper sections might be challenging for some.
Information on visiting the keepers' house is not widely available, but the lighthouse itself is a key attraction.
Nearby attractions include North Head Lighthouse, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and Deadman's Cove.
Cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park due to its remote coastal location.
📸 📸 Photography
The bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River offers stunning panoramic views. Deadman's Cove also provides dramatic photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but the coastal fog can also create a moody and atmospheric scene at any time.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the lighthouse.
Interior access to the lighthouse may be limited or unavailable. Focus on exterior shots and the surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Deadman's Cove for a bit of intrigue, and explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center for educational insights. Ensure everyone has appropriate footwear for the trails.
+1🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Remember to check trail conditions, especially after wet weather, as some sections can become slippery or challenging.
📸 Photographers
Deadman's Cove offers a more rugged and atmospheric subject. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting. However, the frequent coastal fog can also create unique, moody shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the expansive views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Cape Disappointment
The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was established to guide ships safely into the treacherous Columbia River bar, often referred to as the 'Graveyard of the Pacific' due to numerous shipwrecks. The North Head Lighthouse was later added as a supplementary aid, enhancing safety for maritime traffic. Both structures stand as testaments to the region's maritime past and the challenges faced by sailors.
+1Visitors can explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to learn more about the historical significance of the area, including the famous expedition. The park also offers trails that lead to viewpoints like Deadman's Cove, a place steeped in local lore and maritime tragedy.
+1Navigating the Trails and Views
While the main lighthouse trail is accessible for many, it's not wheelchair accessible. For those seeking different perspectives, trails also lead to Deadman's Cove, offering dramatic coastal scenery and a sense of the area's rugged history.
+1 The North Head Lighthouse is another key point of interest, accessible via trails that provide stunning views looking north along the Long Beach coastline. +1Many visitors highlight the breathtaking coastal views as a major draw. From the bluffs, you can see the vast Pacific Ocean, the powerful Columbia River, and even glimpses of Oregon across the water.
The dramatic meeting of river and ocean makes for spectacular photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
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