Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast, constructed in 1856 and marks the north side of the Columbia River Bar. The lighthouse protects mariners from the rough and ever-changing Columbia River Bar in the treacherous area known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Visitors have to hike to get to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse but the reward (when not foggy) is a view far up-river, over to Jetty A, Baker Bay and even the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The easiest route is from the trail at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. This trail is about a half mile and has a bit of elevation drop and climb.
Washington State Parks
Follow this 1.3 mile trail from Waikiki Beach to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. You will encounter the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center as you wind through coastal forest and headland meadows.
Cape Disappointment Trail (Hike the long way to the lighthouse)
Lighthouse in 1912
Lighthouse from the Interpretive Center
U.S. Coast Guard Station at the lighthouse
Columbia River dumping into the Pacific Ocean
From the North Jetty, the Interpretive Center on left and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse on the right
Final climb to the lighthouse
Looking up the Columbia River
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Looking over to the Interpretive Center
Baker Bay from trail to the lighthouse
Baker Bay from trail to the lighthouse
Cove in route to the lighthouse
Trail & lighthouse access road
Big Sitka Spruce Tree in route to the lighthouse