Displays inside the interpretive center at Cape Disappointment.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center along the cliffside at Cape Disappointment.
The railed path outside of the interpretive center, looking out into the ocean.
A boat display, and an interactive earth display inside Cape Disappointment's Interpretive Center.

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624-8624

Hours

Summer: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Winter: Wed - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fees

Ages 18 and older: $5.00, Ages 7 to 17: $2.50, Ages 6 and younger are free

Contact

Email:
Cape.Disappointment@parks.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 642-3029

Get Directions

Overview

Standing high on the cliffs at Cape Disappointment State Park, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Chinook tribe, as well as local maritime and military history.

Map & visitor guide

46.29182434, -124.0667267

Hours

Summer: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Winter: Wed - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fees

Ages 18 and older: $5.00, Ages 7 to 17: $2.50, Ages 6 and younger are free

Contact

Email:
Cape.Disappointment@parks.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 642-3029

Get Directions

Additional information

The exhibit includes artifacts from the expedition, a First Order Fresnel lens and a short film. Check out the gift shop and a glassed-in observation deck for views of the Columbia River Bar, headlands and ocean.

Operating hours

Summer

Apr. 1 – Oct. 31, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winter

Nov. 1 – Mar. 31, open Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Observed holidays

The interpretive center is open on New Year's Day but closed for the following holidays:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

Parking

RV parking not accommodated.

Nearby attractions

Stop by the North Head Lighthouse for a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Ocean, Oregon Coast, Columbia River Bar and Long Beach Peninsula.

Enjoy the area with a hike or stay the night at Cape Disappointment State Park in a campsite, cabin, yurt or vacation house. A boat launch is also available for use.

Park camera

Click here to view the live park camera to see the mouth of the Columbia River.  

Contact us

Email Cape.Disappointment@parks.wa.gov
Phone (360) 642-3029