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.

57°F water · 63°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Mostly sunny. High near 63, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. North wind 2 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Weather

  • 63°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Water

  • 57°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
  • 4.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
60 /100
good
24 Swim
52 Sunbathe
72 Walk
71 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
63°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
2 to 16 mph
N
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
64°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
57°F
Cold
Next Low Tide
7:17 PM
2.2 ft · in 4.0h
Wave Height
4.6 ft
8s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.17 inHg
1022 hPa
Sunrise
8:36 AM
Sunset
12:07 AM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
8:14 AM Low -1.1 ft
1:50 PM High 5.5 ft
7:17 PM Low 2.2 ft

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

Today Jul 12
63°

Mostly Sunny

0%
53
Mon Jul 13
64°

Mostly Sunny

0%
56
Tue Jul 14
64°

Mostly Sunny

1%
58
Wed Jul 15
65°

Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

5%
61
Thu Jul 16
63°

Partly Sunny

14%
56
Fri Jul 17
63°

Partly Sunny

4%
49
Sat Jul 18
63°

Mostly Sunny

2%
55
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 57°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

esc