Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lewis and Clark camped near here in November 1805 and visited the cape while
searching for a winter camp. Their whole cross-continental journey is faithfully recoun-
ted at the sequentially laid-out
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
(Hwy 100; adult/child
$5/2.50; 10am-5pm)
, on a high bluff inside the state park overlooking the point where
the Columbia River meets the Pacific. There's a succinct 20-minute film recounting their
journey.
From the interpretive center, a hiking trail leads half a mile to
Cape Disappointment
Lighthouse
. Built in 1856, it's the oldest such structure still in use on the West Coast.
On the other side of the park (accessible via a trail), the
North Head Lighthouse
, built in
1896, offers tours from $2.50. Call the park for more details.
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
MUSEUM
(115 SE Lake St; adult/child $5/3, Thu free; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat, noon-4pm Sun)
Investigating
ancient Chinook culture, along with the exploration and trade of successive Spanish,
Russian, British and American explorers, is this fine museum. It also features the
Old Il-
waco,
a restored narrow-gauge passenger train also known as the
Nahcotta,
that ran
along the peninsula railway.
Activities
Unsurprisingly, Ilwaco has plenty of charter fishing options, with expeditions sallying
forth in search of salmon, sturgeon, halibut or bottom fish, depending on the season. Try
Sea Breeze Charters
( 360-642-2300;
www.seabreezecharters.net
; trips per person from
$105)
for some of the best organized trips. The office is right on the harbor front.
Sleeping & Eating
Cape Disappointment State Park Campground
CAMPGROUND$
( 360-642-3078; Hwy 100; tent/RV sites $23/32, yurts & cabins from $69)
There are nearly
250 sites in two zones: by the beach and around a lake near the park entrance. Coin-oper-
ated hot showers and flush toilets are within easy reach. Yurts, cabins (which each can
accommodate up to six people) and three former lightkeeper's residences provide further
unique accommodations options.
Inn at Harbor Village
HOTEL$$$
( 360-642-0087;
www.innatharborvillage.com
; 120 Williams Ave NE; r incl breakfast $115-185;
)
One of Washington's most improbable and creative accommodations is this recently re-
Search WWH ::
Custom Search