Pacific Northwest Attractions
Cape Disappointment State Park
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Ilwaco, WA
Tel. (360) 902-8844
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Cape%20Disappointment
Over the years, nearly 2,000 boats have gurgled to saltwater oblivion and 700 sailors have met their maker near the mouth of the Columbia River. Washington’s Cape Disappointment State Park lies at the bottom of the Long Beach Peninsula, extending at its southern end into the maw of this river.
The cape was named by British Capt. John Meares in 1788 after his failure to find the mouth of the Columbia. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, who caught their first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 15, 1805. William Clark set up camp and carved his name in the trees while on exploratory missions on the cape.
wherever it appears.