Cape Disappointment construction and camping closure begins Sept. 16

OLYMPIA — Beginning Sept. 16, sections of Cape Disappointment State Park will begin closing to undergo major renovations and repairs. The closure is expected to last until Spring 2026.  

Cape Disappointment is one of the most visited state parks in Washington. This project focuses on improving the park’s infrastructure through renovations to its entrance, roads and trails. Work includes: 

• A culvert replacement on its campground access road
• Work on the park's entrance road that will improve traffic flow at the park entrance
• A new Welcome Center
• Increased hiking opportunities with a new trail in the Three Waters Trail system
• Building a new boardwalk and overlook at Lake O’Neil
• Restored wetland and habitat protection for wildlife 

Closure areas 

• Campground loops A, B and C close on Sept. 16.  
• Campground Loop D will temporarily remain open on a first-come, first-served basis until construction progresses.
• Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will close later this month.
• The boat launch will close intermittently throughout construction.  

This is a large project with work occurring in several areas of the park. Visitors are advised to call the park office at (360) 642-3078 and check park alerts frequently for the latest updates and information. 

State Parks anticipates the closure will extend into late spring/early summer. The closure timeline will depend on how the work progresses over winter and into the spring. 

For your safety and for the safety of our staff and contractors, please avoid closed areas and construction zones.  

Open day-use areas 

The North Head Lighthouse, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Beard’s Hollow will remain open for day use throughout the project. 

The lightkeepers’ residence vacation homes near North Head are also available for overnight bookings.  

Visitors may also consider planning a visit to neighboring Fort Columbia State Park and spending a night at its vacation homes. Camping is also available at Grayland Beach and Twin Harbors state parks 90 minutes north.