What a weird and misleading name: Cape Disappointment State Park. Would you consider visiting this Southern coastal tip of Washington State when just hearing its name? I can definitely encourage you to do so! The alleged world’s longest beach, the picturesque Cape Disappointment Lighthouse sitting on the edge of steep cliffs, impressive waves crashing at the rough coastline with „King Tide“ as a highlight of the stormy season during wintertime and lots of driftwood create a scenery that can be considered anything but disappointing.

And if you find the right place to sleep, you can definitely spend a couple of days or a long weekend at cape Disappointment – biking along Discovery Trail, hiking to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, feasting and relaxing.

#1 Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Related to a very disappointing experience the British fur trader John Meares had in 1788, the Southernmost stretch of the Washington Coast was named „Cape Disappointment“. Meares was simply unable to locate the mouth of the Columbia River where it merges into the Pacific Ocean. That´s already the whole story behind this kind of irritating name.

Nowadays Cape Disappointment Lighthouse guides sailors safely into the mouth of the Columbia River, where the actual border between Oregon and Washington State is located. After some struggles at the beginning of the construction, the lighthouse was eventually completed in 1856 and is now the oldest functioning lighthouse at the US Westcoast. In my opinion, it is a must-see when at Cape Disappointment and there are various options to do so.

#2 Cape Disappointment State Park hiking trails

Cape Disappointment State Parks holds many trailheads through old-growth forests. The hike from Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is one of the most popular ones throughout the year. The only 1.1 miles (1,8 km) long hike offers quite a few vistas and takes you to the grounds of the lighthouse. It’s an easy in and out hike. Just make sure to bring some proper shoes as the path can get muddy at some points.

A 4.3 miles (6,8 km) long loop trail takes you a bit deeper into Cape Disappointment State Park. This trail offers more viewpoints and beach access, including Waikiki Beach. If you don’t feel like walking, but still want to get a glimpse of the lighthouse, turn right at the parking lot of Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and follow the short path uphill. From there you can spot the lighthouse on the other side of the bay in little distance. If you are lucky you can even spot bald eagles hovering in the air or landing in the trees, looking out for prey. The trail leading to the lighthouse starts left of the parking lot. But you could also combine both trails into a little loop.

Unfortunately, one of the most iconic sights – Deadman’s Cove’s – is closed for public access since summer 2019 due to soil erosion. Several prominent signs are indicating that you shouldn’t walk further down to the beach. Respectful of the environment and since the Coast Guard Station is located just a couple of feet away, I would encourage everyone to abide by the rules and not try to sneak in somehow.

#3 Storm watching & King Tide at Waikiki Beach

For another impressive view of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse without any need of hiking first, head over to Waikiki Beach. There is a small parking lot from where you have a pretty lovely view of the lighthouse sitting on top of the steep cliffs. The driftwood makes the scenery even more picturesque. This is also a great spot for winter storm-watching when meter-high waves crash at the rocky shoreline. If your timing is right, you can experience extraordinary huge waves due to the natural phenomenon „King Tide“ (December /January).

For Cape Disappointment State Park the Discover Pass is required. Day passes and annual passes can be purchased at the machines at the parking lots or the small office at the entrance to the campground.

#4 Long Beach Peninsula & Discovery Trail, Washington

Well known for its continuous sandy beaches that extend to almost 30 miles (45 km), Long Beach Peninsula is claimed to be the longest beach in the United States and the world’s largest drivable beach. Whether these superlatives are really accurate, I cannot really tell, but what’s for sure: There are countless beach activities Long Beach Peninsula offers to its visitors: Running, walking, biking, skating, horseback riding, kite flying, picnicking, sunbathing, sandcastle building, razor clamming are only a few activities you can think of at Long Beach.

No matter what you decide for: The beach itself and the 8.5 miles (13,7 km) long Discovery Trail, winding through the dunes are great places to get outdoors and enjoy the coastal breeze.

#5 Barrel sauna, Gin tasting & seafood feasting at Adrift Hotel

Long days spent outdoors while breathing fresh air are ideally wrapped up with some soaking, relaxing, and feasting. For all these needs Adrift Hotel got you covered. Located just off the beach it is one of the few hotels that provide a barrel sauna in addition to a heated saline pool as well as spa facilities, where you can unwind by enjoying a massage. The hotel’s interior spreads a nordic, modern marine flair that totally suits the location. The tiny barrel sauna is definitely a good place to stretch your muscles after a long day of hiking or biking along the beach.

And if you fancy a delicious meal with an ocean view, their on-site restaurant „Pickled Fish“ can also be highly recommended for breakfast and dinners alike. They serve savory and sweet delights with a twist. So we actually ended up eating there three times. On weekends there is live music.

Adrift Hotel is also home to Adrift Distillers, where home-crafted spirits like gin, whisky, or vodka can be tasted. And shhh, telling you a little secret: On Sundays during specific hours it is even for free, just ask at the reception!

#6 Whale Skeleton & Long Beach Boardwalk

From Adrift Hotel there is access to the Long Beach Boardwalk that drifts above the sand dunes. By strolling along this wooden path you can enjoy panoramic views of the Washington Coast and if lucky even spot a whale passing by. If you don’t get the chance for a real whale in the waters, the skeleton of a gray whale that beached and died in 2000 and the dedicated sculpture are worth stopping by.

Adrift Hotels even offers the opportunity to rent beach cruiser bikes for up to 2 hours on a first-come-first-served basis. The costs for this are included in the daily 9$ amenities fee which you need to pay as a guest anyways in order to use the poolhouse and onsite facilities like parking lots. So there is definitely no excuse not to get active and explore Long Beach Peninsula.

Good to know: Under Adrift Hotel’s ownership are a couple of more hotels like the Inn at Discovery Coast, which is a bit more exclusive, still located on the same site. Shelburne Hotel is located in Seaview, only 1 mile (1,6 km) away. As guests of theirs, you are allowed to use the pool house facilities, etc. Shelburne Hotel has a comfortably decorated pub that serves decent food and cocktails. So if you don’t feel like spending every dinner at Pickled Fish, this is definitely a good alternative. The Ashore Hotel in Seaside (Oregon) is also part of the Adrift hospitality family.

Are you still in doubt about Cape Disappointment’s name having something to do with a disappointing experience? Convince yourself it has not! Long Beach Peninsula and Cape Disappointment can be reached from Portland and Seattle in about 2.5 to 3 hours, which makes it an ideal trip for a long weekend or a well-worth stop on any road trip along Highway101.

Another small town worth stopping by is the port city of Astoria. Not only because it is the oldest town of Oregon State and was the very first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Astoria is located right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

The 4.1 miles (6,6 km) long Astoria-Megler-Bridge spans over the mouth of Columbia River and connects the states of Oregon and Washington. So no matter which direction you are driving, make a stop at Astoria, even if it’s only to admire the steel bridge or to enjoy a coffee without paying state tax! 😉

For more coastal vibes read my article:
Why the Oregon Coast is your perfect winter travel destination

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DISCLOSURE

Our stay at Long Beach was a collaboration with Adrift Hotel who supported our stay with a complimentary night, we covered all other costs ourselves.
As all articles on this blog, it reflects my personal impressions and honest opinion.

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QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Have you ever been to the Washington Coast and have reccommendations for accommodation or general travel tipps? Leave me a comment! Do you like the article, have suggestions, feedback or recommendations? Feel free to share this article with your friends!

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