Cape Disappointment's Washington Coast Trail links together a series of smaller trails with a primary route of about 4.5 miles. Several “spur trails” branch off this main route to areas within the State Park. Beginning at the parking lot at the trail head to Beard’s Hollow, hikers immediately have two choices: to start the primary trail or take the moderately challenging (and oh-so-rewarding) hike to Beard’s Hollow.

The trail to Beard’s Hollow can be wet between September and May, so be prepared for some possible mucking.  The roughly half-mile hike through coastal forest and sand dunes opens up into a cove known as Beard’s Hollow.  Here you’ll find lots of driftwood and the most southern access to more than 20 miles of beach northward.

The primary Washington Coast Trail starts from the Beard’s Hollow trailhead parking lot. Its first leg is known as the Westwind trail, which initially climbs steeply and then levels out as it travels through the coastal forest. After about 1- mile, you’ll reach the North Head Lighthouse parking lot. Portable toilet access is available here and also at the end of the short (.3 mile) spur trail to the lighthouse itself. The spur trail is gentle and sloping past the original lightkeeper’s home (which is available for rent through Cape Disappointment State Park) to the 100-plus-year-old lighthouse. Views of the beach both north and south are spectacular and expansive.

From the North Head Lighthouse parking area, enter the 1.4 mile-long North Head Trail, which starts out fairly level with great ocean views and then dips down into the forest. The trail climbs up and down until it finally reaches its end at the main road in Cape Disappointment State Park. It can be wet and muddy in areas, particularly between September and May each year.

Walk east (toward Lake O’Neil) down the stretch known as the “Road Link Trail” (which is actually the park’s paved road) to the next trail section.  This stretch is 0.4 miles long past lakefront camping and wetlands until you meet up with another paved road.  Look to the right for restrooms and the day-use picnic area with quick access to Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki Beach is the only swim-safe ocean beach on the Peninsula, so take a dip!

Next, continue through by turning left and following the road for just 0.1 mile to reach the Discovery trail.  If you get to the small camp store, you’ve gone 0.1 mile too far, but take advantage of this wonderful mishap by enjoying the Coastal Forest Spur Trail.  This 1.4-mile loop has big trees and great views of Baker Bay.  Here you are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark wile enjoying the occasional fishing or pleasure boat passing.

Once on Discovery Trail, you’ll find a steep climb through woods with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Captain Clark explored this area in November of 1805. Follow the trail 0.6 miles until you reach the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The center tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as exhibiting a marine history of this area, known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. You’ll also find information on the rich military history of Cape Disappointment State Park, including the present-day US Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment and Life Saving Motor Boat School. The center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm with restrooms, book & gift shop and a nearby parking lot.

The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail is the name of a series of short trails connecting the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Travel down through the woods, making a brief stop to take in the small and beautiful beach known as Dead Man’s Cove before making a very steep ascent on the old Coast Guard Road up to the lighthouse. It’s about 0.7 miles from the center to the lighthouse; about half downward winding trail and half steep Coast Guard road. Cape Disappointment is the oldest lighthouse still in use on the West Coast (see our flyer; Lighthouse Loop Tour).

This is the end of the Washington Coast Trail. Retrace your steps back to the Road Link Trail and, if you missed it the first time, take in the Coastal Forest Spur Trail! 

Enjoy our pages on other hiking trails and strolls on the Long Beach Peninsula.