Have you ever wondered why we in the Pacific Northwest call the place where the land meets the ocean the “coast” and not the “beach”? While a beach is a specific landform, the “coast” to us PNWers embodies a dynamic experience. You might arrive to find soft sand, sunshine, and gentle waves inviting you to cool off in the chilly Pacific. Or, you could be greeted by wind and storms, enticing you to stay indoors, tucked under a blanket with hot cocoa, watching waves crash against rocky cliffs and bluffs. Either way, it’s rarely “beachy” in the traditional sense; there are no beach chairs or umbrellas– not a palm tree in sight – it’s more about embracing whatever the ocean offers that day.
Regardless of the season, one thing you can always count on is the coast’s unpredictability. And one thing we can always count on is our annual class camping trip. This year, Cape Disappointment State Park did not disappoint (pun intended!). Nestled in the southwest corner of Washington, it delivered both freezing weather to cuddle up in our yurt, strong winds perfect for kite flying and hot sunshine for all the beach play.
If you’re interested in the origin of Cape Disappointment, here’s the page you should visit to learn the history behind this inaccurately named park. What we have for you here are the 10 things that surprised us on our first visit to this magical Washington state park.
There are so many beautiful places to camp on the coast in the PNW, here are the 10 magical things we discovered and why we will go back to Cape Disappointment State Park:
- Conquer Basalt Cliffs: Bring your climbing shoes and ropes for lead climbing and bouldering! This park boasts numerous rock formations, many easily accessible and even nestled within campsites. While originally sea stacks eroded by waves, sediment from the Columbia River has shifted them inland. The basalt rock offers several clean faces for climbing, from highball bouldering to promising longer climbs. Learn more about the climbs here.
- Explore Hidden Caves: Grab your headlamps for an adventure into the park’s mysterious caves! A short hike through beautiful, moss-covered forest grounds will lead you to hidden caves that provide hours of exciting exploration, especially for little ones.
- Bathe in Enchanting Forests: The forest floor at Cape Disappointment is a soft carpet of moss, and the towering trees are absolutely beautiful, creating a truly magical atmosphere for a stroll through the woods. Just watch out for walking through others’ campsites – this can be frowned upon.
- Choose Your Camping Vibe – Lake or Beach Access: Cape Disappointment offers diverse camping options with both lake and beach access. Prefer tranquility? Opt for the serene lake. Craving excitement? The beach offers a more dynamic experience.
- Indulge at Cape “D” Cafe: Treat yourself to ice cream and sandwiches at the convenient Cape “D” Cafe. Find it here.
- Build Driftwood Kingdoms: Unleash your creativity on the beach! The abundance of driftwood makes for magical and mystical fort-building. Kids love collecting driftwood to construct elaborate communities and towns, often even trading crab shells as currency.
- Take in Amazing Views at the Historic Lighthouse: Lace up your hiking shoes and trek the rolling trail through ferns, salal and evergreens dripping moss to the iconic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. On the way, stop by Deadman’s cove to visit the ghosts of the 1853 shipwreck and snap some perfect family photos. For full information on this hike, visit the WTA page on the lighthouse and the cove and a map to save you time.
- Fly a Kite: Nothing says “Pacific Northwest coast” quite like flying a kite. Embrace the coastal breeze and send your kite soaring!
- Gather for S’mores: No camping trip is complete without s’mores! Bring your marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for a classic campfire treat. Maybe try this peanut butter cup in marshmallow fluff if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cozy Up in a Yurt: For a warmer and more comfortable stay, consider booking one of the park’s yurts, (refer back to the fact that you never know when Washington weather will turn chilly, assume it’s always.).
Ok, this magic isn’t specific to Cape Disappointment State Park, but its wizardry can help you get there even if you didn’t plan your trip a year in advance. They key to getting the best spot for your family is to book when reservations open the prior year or save time by checking this fantastic resource on Facebook: PNW camping reservations – re-listings. This group offers up camping reservations that would otherwise go un-used, saving you the hassle of searching and helping others who’s travel plans have changed.
We highly encourage a visit to this state park so you can see if the magic here compels you to put it on your repeat list.
