Montage of Washington State Park scenes
spacer

Activities and events at Cape Disappointment

Activities

TrailsWater ActivitiesOther
• 8 mi. Hiking Trails
• Boating (freshwater)
• 1 boat ramp (freshwater)
• 135 feet of dock (freshwater)
• Fishing (freshwater)
• Fishing (saltwater)
• Clamming
• Crabbing
• 1 Amphitheater
• Beach Exploration
• Bird Watching
• Golf
• Interpretive Activities
• Museum
• 3 Softball Fields
• 2 Volleyball Fields
• Wildlife Viewing



Baseball fields and basketball courts located nearby. A Columbia River fish-cleaning station is available to fishermen.

Events occuring in the area spring through fall:
- Loyalty Days - first weekend in May.
- World's Longest Garage Sale - Memorial Day.
- Garlic Festival - third weekend in June.
- Stunt Kite Competition - fourth weekend in June.
- Fireworks on the beach - 4th of July.
- Sand Sculpture Contest - third weekend in July.
- Rodeo - fourth weekend in July.
- Jazz & Oysters - third weekend in August. - Kite Festival - third week in August.
- Rod Run - second weekend in September.
- Water Music Festival - fourth weekend in October.

Swimming in the ocean on the Long Beach Peninsula is not recommended. Strong currents, riptides and unexpected high waves pose a hazard to swimmers.

Significant nearby natural areas include Willapa Bay, Leadbetter Point and Beard's Hollow.

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.


Events

Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.

The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:

Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend

Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Events
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Daily
May - Sept.		 Tours of North Head Lighthouse: Join trained volunteers on a tour of the North Head Lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase up to the lantern room and enjoy the view while learning about the Graveyard of the Pacific. Participants must be 7 years old to tour the lantern room. Tours are $2.50 for adults and free to children ages 7-17.

 Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse
(360) 642-3029
Daily
June - Aug.		 Benson Beach Campfire Programs: Follow the beach trail to the Benson Beach amphitheater for special campfire programs during the summer. Learn about natural and area history with the sounds of Pacific Ocean waves in the background. Everyone is welcome.

 Cape Disappointment, Benson Beach
(360) 642-3029
Daily event
July and Aug.

Saturdays and Sundays
June and Sept.		 Interpretive Programs: Our interpreters present a wide assortment of activities, including talks, walks and activities. Program topics will consist of Lewis and Clark, maritime history, native technology, birding and more. Programs are also available by appointment.

 Cape Disappointment, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
(360) 642-3029
Every other Saturday
June - Aug.
7 p.m.		 Waikiki Beach Concert Series VIII: Experience music from the shore of Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park every other Saturday in June, July and Aug., beginning June 8. The annual concert series returns to the Confluence Project amphitheater, featuring Americana, blues, rock, R&B, folk, bluegrass, country and world music. Performances are scheduled as follows:

June 8 – Polecat (Americana, stompgrass and world music from Bellingham)
June 22 – Ranger and the Re-Arrangers
July 13 –Little Beirut (Pop, indie rock)
July 27 – The Resolectrics (Americana, rock, classic R&B, folk)
Aug. 10 – Sugarcane (Bluegrass, blues, funk, Caribbean)
Aug. 24 – The Ben Rice Band (Rockabilly, swamp rock, country)

Please note: June 8 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. A Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to Washington state parks on free days.

 Cape Disappointment, Waikiki Beach day-use area
(360) 642-3029
June 8 North Head Lighthouse 115th Anniversary: Celebrate the 115th anniversary of North Head Lighthouse and the 100 year of Washington State Parks at Cape Disappointment State Park. This is the first anniversary event since the title of North Head Lighthouse was officially transferred to State Parks. Presented in partnership with the Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse. More information will be available closer to the event. Discover Pass not required for vehicle access to the event.

Please note: June 8 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. A Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to Washington state parks on free days.
- Detailed News Release -

Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse
(360) 642-3029
Every other Saturday
July - Aug.
7 p.m.		 Waikiki Beach Concert Series VIII: Experience music from the shore of Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park every other Saturday in June, July and Aug., beginning June 8. The annual concert series returns to the Confluence Project amphitheater, featuring Americana, blues, rock, R&B, folk, bluegrass, country and world music. Remaining performances are scheduled as follows:

July 13 –Little Beirut (Pop, indie rock)
July 27 – The Resolectrics (Americana, rock, classic R&B, folk)
Aug. 10 – Sugarcane (Bluegrass, blues, funk, Caribbean)
Aug. 24 – The Ben Rice Band (Rockabilly, swamp rock, country)

 Cape Disappointment, Waikiki Beach day-use area
(360) 642-3029
Every other Saturday
Aug. 10 and 24
7 p.m.		 Waikiki Beach Concert Series VIII: Experience music from the shore of Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park every other Saturday in June, July and Aug., beginning June 8. The annual concert series returns to the Confluence Project amphitheater, featuring Americana, blues, rock, R&B, folk, bluegrass, country and world music. Remaining performances are scheduled as follows:

Aug. 10 – Sugarcane (Bluegrass, blues, funk, Caribbean)
Aug. 24 – The Ben Rice Band (Rockabilly, swamp rock, country)

 Cape Disappointment, Waikiki Beach day-use area
(360) 642-3029
Aug. 8 - 11
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.		 Painting in the Parks – Cape Disappointment: Celebrate the centennial of Washington State Parks by painting in the parks. Take a journey through a state park and find artistic inspiration. Then spend the day creating a work in Washington’s great outdoors. From Aug. 8 through 11, participants are welcome to explore the more than 1,800-acre state park, complete with multiple lighthouses, miles of beach, spectacular bluffs and former coast artillery posts. A full schedule of Painting in the Parks days is available at www.pleinairwashington.com. Presented by the Plein Air Washington Artists.

 Cape Disappointment
(360) 642-3078
Full list of events at Washington State Parks


Boating Features

One boat ramp and 135 feet of dock are provided on Baker Bay in the Columbia River.

A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a daily trailer dump permit for $5 is available at the park.

Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.


Picnic and Day-use Facilities

The day-use area has 20 unsheltered picnic tables, available first come, first served.