Cape Disappointment juts into mighty waves where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Its shoreline forms a narrow isthmus and point. Chinook peoples were skilled at navigating the dangerous waters around the mouth of the Columbia, but early explorers who reached Cape Disappointment were challenged by the high winds, currents, and sand bars.

Cape Disappointment (formerly Fort Canby) is the most visited of Washington's state parks, 1900 acres in size.

Natural and historic features include:

• trails that retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark
• the oldest still-operating lighthouse on the West Coast
• gray whales which migrate along the shore
  

• Temperature is moderate year-round; June, July, and August tend to be drier
• Gray whales are easiest to spot in March, April, and May
• Art installations are open year-round