Washington Coast's Cape Disappointment State Construction - Some Closures

Published 01/30/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Ilwaco, Washington) - Cape Disappointment on the Washington coast will see some closures for awhile. (Photo Angi D Wildt Gallery)

According to Washington State Parks (WSP):

All Cape Disappointment camping loops (A, B, C and D) and access to Waikiki Beach and North Jetty are now closed for renovations and repairs to the park.

“We expect to reopen camping in summer of 2026. Waikiki Beach and North Jetty will remain closed for the duration of the construction,” the agency said. “In addition, the boat launch will experience intermittent closures. 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.”

Photo Angi D Wildt Gallery

According to the agency, the work zeroes in on long-needed upgrades. Planned improvements include replacing a culvert on the campground access road, redesigning the entrance road to improve traffic flow, building a new welcome center, adding a new trail to the Three Waters Trail system, and restoring wetland areas to protect wildlife habitat.

The project is scheduled to begin September 16, 2025, and continue into summer 2026. WDP notes that the timeline may shift depending on winter weather and construction progress. Visitors are urged to check park alerts regularly or call the park office at 360-642-3078 for the latest updates. Officials also emphasize that closed areas and construction zones should be avoided for safety.

Photo WSP

While the campground, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty are off-limits, several areas remain open for day use. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Beard’s Hollow and the North Head Lighthouse - outside of its usual seasonal closure - will continue operating. Overnight stays at the lightkeepers’ residences at Cape Disappointment and vacation homes at nearby Fort Columbia are also unaffected.

State Parks says the long-term benefits will include safer campground roads, improved traffic flow at the entrance, expanded hiking opportunities and enhanced wetland habitat that supports bird and wildlife viewing. The agency acknowledges the closures will affect nearby communities but says it will look for opportunities to restore access where possible as work progresses.

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