Accessible Trail: Yes (paved asphalt)
Mileage: 0.25 miles one-way (0.5 miles round trip)
Cape Disappointment sits at the mouth of the Columbia River, marking the entrance to the interior of the continent. The history of this beautiful place dates back countless generations, with the Chinook people enjoying the bounty of this area for thousands of years. Much later, Spanish cartographers would note the area during their expeditions up the coast, and Lewis and Clark would gaze out to the Pacific Ocean from atop the Cape. A military fort was even constructed here during the Civil War era. The area is named for the failure of a sea captain to cross the Columbia River's sand bar; this beautiful park, however, is far from disappointing.
In addition to being a place of uncommon beauty, North Head in Cape Disappointment State Park has the distinction of being the windiest place on the West Coast with recorded gusts of over 120 miles per hour. The danger posed by these winds while vessels approached from the north led to the construction of the North Head Light in 1898. To take a closer look at the lighthouse that kept sailors safe as they crept toward the Columbia, begin your walk at the end of North Head Road. From the parking lot, head Northwest along the paved pathway.
As you start on the trail and begin to turn West toward the ocean, you'll notice a building to your right. This building is the former Lighthouse Keeper's residence and it is offered for overnight rental by the State Park Service. The grounds sit above the lighthouse and are surrounded by tall trees on three sides. Many a happy wedding ceremony have taken place here, adding to the rich history of the area.
Continue past the Lighthouse Keeper's residence and the tree-lined trail soon opens up to views of the Pacific Ocean. Before you continue to the right toward the lighthouse, look over your shoulder to the left and admire the view of Benson Beach. Just beyond the beach is the mouth of the Columbia. Depending on the time of day, you can see large ships entering and exiting the rivermouth, carrying their cargo to ports both near and far.
Turn back to the North and you'll see North Head Light standing guard along the coast. From its perch along the edge of the continent, the white lighthouse brightens even the grayest of skies. When you're done admiring the view from the hill above, head down the pathway to the lighthouse.
Tours of the interior are offered by the Park Service, but unfortunately a stairway is the only way to get to the top. The views from the grounds, however, are spectacular. As you look out to the ocean from the end of the pathway, you can feel the power of the mighty Pacific churning away below. Once you're done imagining all the thankful sailors glad to see the guiding light at North Head, turn around and head back up the trail, enjoying the views as you return to the parking area.
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