Cape Disappointment State Park
Ilwaco, WA
Cape Disappointment State Park sits where the Columbia River meets the open Pacific, a windswept stretch of basalt cliffs, dune forest, and two working lighthouses above the water. Waikiki Beach, the small cove near the boat launch, is the spot locals actually picnic and wade at, while Benson Beach stretches north toward North Head as a quieter, car-free walk.
Two lighthouses and a real cove to wade in make this a genuine destination, though the Discover Pass and the flat no-swimming reality of the river mouth keep it from a 5.
How we score beachesWaikiki Beach's cove is sheltered enough for wading even when the open coast is blown out. Skip it for a real swim though; rip currents at the river mouth are serious business here even on calm looking days.
A Discover Pass ($10 a day or $45 a year) is required at the day-use lots by both Waikiki Beach and North Head. Spaces are plentiful outside summer weekends.
Waikiki Beach has paved, accessible parking close to the sand. Benson Beach is walk-only, reached by a level path from the day-use area, with no vehicles allowed on that stretch.
Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park, standard Washington State Parks policy.
Fog and onshore wind are routine even in summer, so pack a layer regardless of the season. Winter storm watching from the bluffs near North Head Lighthouse draws its own regulars.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Waikiki Beach
A small sandy cove near the boat launch, sheltered by basalt cliffs and the North Jetty, the park's main day-use and picnic beach.
Get directions →Benson Beach
A roughly two-mile vehicle-free stretch running north to North Head Lighthouse, better for a long walk than a swim.
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