Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

In November of 1805, the U.S. Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reached the mouth of the mighty Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean at last. "Great joy in camp," Clark wrote in his journal, "we are in View of the Ocian, this great Pacific Ocian which we been So long anxious to See."

Today the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized "timeline" panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs and the words of Corps members themselves. The center also features short film presentations, a gift shop and a glassed-in observation deck with fabulous views of the river, headlands and sea. Additional displays focus on local maritime and military history.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is open year round. For specific seasonal operating hours please call the park office at (360) 642-3078.

Admission into the center is $3 per adult and $1 per child ages 7 to 17. Children ages 6 and under enter for free.

At Cape Disappointment State Park, two miles southwest of Ilwaco.

Driving directions: Located off U.S. Highway 101, four miles southwest of Ilwaco at the foot of the Long Beach Peninsula.

Cape Disappointment State Park
This 1,882-acre camping park on the popular Long Beach Peninsula has access to 27 miles of ocean beaches, freshwater lakes, salt marshes, deep forest, two working lighthouses and seven miles of hiking trails. In addition to reservable campsites, Cape Disappointment offers cabins, yurts and two historic Lighthouse Keepers’ Residences for overnight rental.