Cape Disappointment State Park

244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624

Where Lewis and Clark first saw the Pacific in 1805 — the cape at the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula, two historic lighthouses (Cape Disappointment Light and North Head Light), Civil-War-era Fort Canby, and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Trail-heavy park with beach access at Waikiki Beach (yes, there's a Waikiki in WA).

Great day for a beach walk.

Cool but workable

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 63 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Weather

  • 65°F air — cool but workable
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 60°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
  • 4.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
66 /100
good
35 Swim
61 Sunbathe
76 Walk
74 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
65°F
Cloudy
Wind
8 to 13 mph
NNW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
65°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
60°F
Cold
Wave Height
4.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.20 inHg
1023 hPa
Sunrise
8:41 AM
Sunset
12:02 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Time Type Height
12:04 AM Low 0.8 ft
5:23 AM High 6.6 ft
12:35 PM Low -0.9 ft
6:23 PM High 6.8 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9440569, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 18
65°

Sunny

0%
61
Sun Jul 19
65°

Partly Sunny

0%
60
Mon Jul 20
69°

Mostly Cloudy

0%
62
Tue Jul 21
69°

Partly Sunny

0%
70
Wed Jul 22
65°

Partly Sunny

9%
63
Thu Jul 23
64°

Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy

21%
49
Fri Jul 24
64°

Mostly Cloudy

5%
55
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 60°F — dangerously cold

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

State park lots, Discover Pass required.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed.

Entry Fee

WA State Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year (rates as of Oct 2024).

Address

244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624

restroomsshowerscampgroundlighthousesinterpretive centerhiking trails
Is it safe to swim at Cape Disappointment State Park today?

Cape Disappointment State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Cape Disappointment State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed.

Is there an entry fee at Cape Disappointment State Park?

WA State Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year (rates as of Oct 2024).

Are there lifeguards at Cape Disappointment State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Cape Disappointment State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Cape Disappointment State Park?

Amenities at Cape Disappointment State Park include restrooms, showers, campground, lighthouses, interpretive center, hiking trails.

When is the water warmest at Cape Disappointment State Park?

The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.

Where is Cape Disappointment State Park located?

Cape Disappointment State Park is in Pacific County, WA, at 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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