Cape Disappointment Temporary Camping Closure
Project summary
Cape Disappointment camping — including loops A, B, C and D, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will close on Sept. 16, 2024 while we complete renovations and repairs to improve the park. The boat launch will also experience intermittent closures. These closures are tentatively scheduled through March 31, 2025. Reservations will not be available through our reservations system after Sept. 15.
Improvements include:
- Improved traffic flow at the park entrance
- Safer campground road, especially for RVs and campers
- Increased hiking opportunities with new trail
- Restored wetland and habitat protection for wildlife
The lightkeepers’ residences at Cape Disappointment and vacation homes at neighboring Fort Columbia will remain open for overnight stays.
While Parks is tasked with the maintenance and upkeep of the lands entrusted to us, including conservation of natural resources and recreation access, we recognize these closures impact the local communities our parks are a part of. As the project progresses, we will look for opportunities to increase access to the park when and where we can.
- Location: Cape Disappointment State Park
- Estimated start date: Sept. 16, 2024
- Estimated end date: March 31, 2025
Long-term benefits of this work:
- New park entrance will improve flow of traffic
- Campground road will be safer, especially for RVs and camp trailers
- New trail will provide more hiking opportunities
- Restored wetland improves park aesthetics and protects habitat for birds and animals that live there – meaning more birding and wildlife viewing for visitors
Areas still open for day use
Parts of the park will remain open for day use, including:
- The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
- North Head Lighthouse
- Beard’s Hollow