Pack your bags and hitch up your new or used RV for…disappointment? Not quite. When you visit Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington, you’ll not only find a gloriously beautiful seaside escape, but you’ll leave anything but disappointed. Learn more about this great camping destination in Washington – and also how it got its name.
Cape Disappointment: Not So Disappointing
So, what’s up with the name, anyway? Easy: Captain John Meares first set out to find the Columbia River in 1788. He mistook the mouth of the river for a bay and named it Cape Disappointment because what he lacked in observational skills he had in a crabby attitude. Shady business dealings and false pretenses may have influenced his mood, but you can learn more about that from history books. Meanwhile, visit Cape Disappointment anyway! One look around and you won’t be disappointed at all!
Visitors will find 8 miles of hiking trails that wind through saltwater marshes and freshwater lakes. Set sail on Baker Bay, poke around the North Head Lighthouse, or explore the ruins of WWII-era batteries and bunkers. It’s a perfect convergence for those who love nature, history, and a bit of irony.
One thing is for certain: Cape Disappointment State Park will probably be so un-disappointing you’ll want to come back! The National Park Service website offers this information:
Located in Ilwaco, Washington, Cape Disappointment State Park is a 2,023-acre park located on the Long Beach Peninsula. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and a view of the mouth of the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment offers plenty of recreational opportunities and beautiful vistas.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is perched on the wind-swept cliffs 200 feet above the surf. The museum features a number of interactive exhibits focused on the area’s history, with special focus on the story of the Corps of Discovery’s journey, particularly on their Pacific Coast stay during the winter of 1805-1806. A series of mural-size timeline panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of the journal writers.
Camping at the Park
Cape Disappointment State Park offers plenty of camping options for all kinds of travelers – from yurts to RVs needing full hookups! Get information here and make your reservations today!
We Can Get You On the Road
Before setting out for your first camping trips of the year, you want to make sure your new or used RV is road-ready. We can help! Contact us today for help de-winterizing your RV or to schedule some routine RV service. May your trails be full of happiness and devoid of all disappointment!
