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).

Stay 6 Charters & Tours 4 Eats & Drinks 2

Skip the beach today.

73% rain · 35 mph wind · 11.8ft waves

Full NWS forecast for Today

Rain likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 62, with temperatures falling to around 59 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 13 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain. Mostly cloudy. Low around 52, with temperatures rising to around 54 overnight. South southwest wind 23 to 36 mph, with gusts as high as 51 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 62°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • 73% rain — wet day — beach day is off
  • 35 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip

Water

  • 55°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry

Safety

  • 11.8ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
  • NWS alert active — high wind warning issued november 7 at 9:50am pst until november 7 at 11:00pm pst by nws portland or
skip
0 Swim
0 Sunbathe
12 Walk
43 Photo

Best for photography today

Water level 1.6 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 9440569 · Observed 6.98 ft · Predicted 5.36 ft

Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement

Beach Hazards Statement issued November 6 at 11:59PM PST until November 8 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Portland OR

NWS · In effect through Nov 8, 4:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement on the beaches, sneaker waves possible. For the High Surf Warning, large sneaker waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 33 feet. * WHERE...Clatsop and Tillamook Coast, and South Washington Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Saturday night. For the High Surf Warning, from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low- lying shoreline. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Caution should be used when in or near the water, especially those who will be razor clamming. Keep children and pets away from the surf zone. Keep off of jetties, rocks and logs near the surf zone. If you see someone swept into the sea do not swim in after them. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.

High Surf High Surf Warning

High Surf Warning issued November 6 at 11:59PM PST until November 8 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Portland OR

NWS · In effect through Nov 8, 10:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement on the beaches, sneaker waves possible. For the High Surf Warning, large sneaker waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 33 feet. * WHERE...Clatsop and Tillamook Coast, and South Washington Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Saturday night. For the High Surf Warning, from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low- lying shoreline. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Caution should be used when in or near the water, especially those who will be razor clamming. Keep children and pets away from the surf zone. Keep off of jetties, rocks and logs near the surf zone. If you see someone swept into the sea do not swim in after them. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.

Weather alert in effect

High Wind Warning issued November 7 at 9:50AM PST until November 7 at 11:00PM PST by NWS Portland OR

Air Temp
62°F
Cloudy
Wind
13 to 35 mph
SSE
Rain
73%
Today
Air Quality
28 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Raymond
Tomorrow
58°F
Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy
Water Temp
55°F
Too cold to swim
Next Low Tide
7:39 PM
-0.6 ft · in 1.1h
Wave Height
11.8 ft
14s · W swell
Barometer
29.88 inHg
1012 hPa · buoy 46029
Sunrise
7:06 AM
Sunset
4:53 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
12:25 AM High 6.2 ft
6:39 AM Low 0.9 ft
12:20 PM High 8.0 ft
7:39 PM Low -0.6 ft

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

Today Nov 7
62°

Rain Likely

73%
17
Sun Nov 8
58°

Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy

20%
40
Mon Nov 9
58°

Light Rain

75%
18
Tue Nov 10
61°

Showers And Thunderstorms then Light Rain

94%
0
Wed Nov 11
62°

Chance Light Rain

28%
36
Thu Nov 12
59°

Light Rain Likely

55%
25
Fri Nov 13
57°

Light Rain

82%
12
  • critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 55°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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