Cape Disappointment State Park is a treasure of a park in the southwest corner of Washington state, bordered on the south by the Columbia River, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by a shallow bay. It is all about water, waves, views, forested trails, lighthouses, and Lewis & Clark history.

This time we especially checked out new hiking trails, including the short trail to Beards Hollow which skirts past wetlands created by sand in-fill caused by the breakwater at the mouth of the Columbia River. The beaches are wide and sandy, and on the north end you can even drive your car anywhere you would like on the beach. Just be sure to park above the high tide line if you leave your car behind for a while!

Cape Disappointment State Park exploring beach and sea stack rocks by campground

Beach and sea stack rocks by Cape Disappointment campground



Cape Disappointment State Park beach swimmers playing in waves

Enjoying the waves near Beards Hollow



Cape Disappointment State Park kids digging in sand beach

Digging and shaping at the beach



Cape Disappointment State Park Beards Hollow trail by wetlands toward beach

Forest and wetlands hike to Beards Hollow