Washington Coast's Cape Disappointment Will Close Parts of Operation Until Spring

Published 09/04/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Ilwaco, Washington) - Cape Disappointment State Park, one of the most visited destinations on the south Washington coast, will undergo significant infrastructure upgrades starting September 16, prompting a temporary closure of several key areas through spring 2026. Washington State Parks announced the move as part of a broader effort to improve access, safety, and ecological preservation across the site. (Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery)

The closure will affect all camping loops - A, B, C, and D - as well as Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty. The park’s boat launch will also see intermittent closures during the renovation period. The agency said these upgrades are aimed at enhancing the park’s entrance, improving traffic flow, and expanding trail access - which are extremely popular with Washington coast visitors.

Planned improvements include replacing a culvert on the campground access road, redesigning the entrance road to ease congestion, constructing a new Welcome Center, and adding a new trail to the Three Waters Trail system. Restoration efforts will also concentrate on wetland areas to better protect wildlife habitat and improve the park’s natural aesthetics.

Park officials say the long-term benefits include a safer campground road for RVs and trailers, more hiking opportunities for visitors, and increased birding and wildlife viewing thanks to the restored wetland environment. The new entrance design is expected to streamline traffic and improve the overall visitor experience to this Washington coast icon.

In the meantime, the agency said it understands this is going to be frustrating as well as disappointing. However, much of the top attractions here are not shut down.

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“While State 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,” said WSP. “As the project progresses, we will look for opportunities to increase access to the park when and where we can.”

Despite the closures, several areas of Cape Disappointment remain open for day use. Visitors can still access the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse, and Beard’s Hollow. Overnight accommodations will also continue at the lightkeepers’ residences within the park, while vacation homes in nearby Fort Columbia continue to host overnight stays.

Washington State Parks encourages visitors to plan ahead and check for updates as the project goes on.

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Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery

Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery

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