Cape Disappointment (Washington) facts for kids
Cape Disappointment is a famous piece of land that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean. It's located in the very southwest corner of Washington state, right where the mighty Columbia River meets the sea. This area is known as the Columbia River bar.
The cape is about two miles (3.2 km) southwest of a town called Ilwaco. If you visit, be prepared for fog! Cape Disappointment gets a lot of fog, about 106 days each year. This makes it one of the foggiest places in the United States.
Why the Name "Disappointment"?
This interesting name came from a British fur trader named John Meares. On July 6, 1788, he was sailing south from Canada, looking for places to trade. He saw the mouth of the Columbia River but thought it was just a bay. His ship couldn't enter because the water was too shallow.
Because he missed discovering the big river, he felt "disappointed." So, he named the land "Cape Disappointment" and the nearby area "Deception Bay." Later, another explorer, George Vancouver, saw the cape in 1792 and gave credit to John Meares for naming it.
What Can You Do There?
Cape Disappointment is home to a few important and interesting places:
- Cape Disappointment State Park: This park is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the cape. You can enjoy hiking, camping, and learning about the area's history.
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse stands tall on the cape. It helps guide ships safely into the Columbia River.
- United States Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment: This important Coast Guard station is located near the state park. Its brave crew members help people in trouble on the water. They respond to hundreds of calls for help every year, keeping everyone safe.
