AYM Hike: Cape Disappointment - Forts and Lighthouses

Activity Notes

Join me for a coastal adventure at Cape Disappointment State Park, at the far southwest corner of Washington.  Along the way, we'll pass two lighthouses, several WWII-era military installations, and the area visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.  

Tentative itinerary:

We'll start our hike at a parking area near Waikiki Beach, walk a short distance along the road, and take the North Head Trail to the North Head Lighthouse, passing the Lighthouse Keeper's residence (now a vacation rental). After visiting the lighthouse, we'll take a short side trip to Bell's Viewpoint, passing a WWII Battery along the way. We'll then retrace our route along the North Head Trail, and ascend a short distance to Battery 247 on the McKenzie Head trail. After returning along the road, we'll pass our parking area, and follow the Cape Disappointment trail past the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, built atop the WWII site of Fort Canby. We'll then continue up to our final destination, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.

• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Elevation gain: ~1,500'

Come prepared for PNW winter hiking conditions - expect rain, wind, and muddy trails. Please bring your ten essentials, snacks, water, and rain gear.