Cape Disappointment State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape Disappointment State Park |
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South end of Cape Disappointment and its lighthouse
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 Cape Disappointment State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Pacific County, Washington, United States |
| Area | 2,023 acres (8.19 km2) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Established | Early 1950s |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Cape Disappointment State Park |
Cape Disappointment State Park is a fun place to visit in Washington. It used to be called Fort Canby State Park. This park is located on Cape Disappointment. It is southwest of Ilwaco, Washington, at the very end of the Long Beach Peninsula. This is where the mighty Columbia River meets the huge Pacific Ocean.
The park covers about 2,023 acres. It has many different types of nature. You can find old forests, calm freshwater lakes, and marshy areas with both fresh and salty water. There are also beaches where the ocean tides come in. Inside the park, you can explore Fort Canby, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the North Head Lighthouse, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. This park is also part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which includes other sites in Washington and Oregon.
Contents
History of Cape Disappointment
How the Cape Got Its Name
The name "Cape Disappointment" comes from a time when Captain John Meares tried to sail into the Columbia River in 1788. He couldn't find the river's entrance and felt "disappointed." Four years later, in 1792, an American captain named Robert Gray successfully sailed into the river.
Lewis and Clark Arrive
The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition reached Cape Disappointment in 1805. This was a big moment for their journey across America.
Fort Canby: A Historic Military Site
In 1862, during the American Civil War, a military camp was set up here. It was called Post at Cape Disappointment. Soldiers built defenses to protect the mouth of the Columbia River. They wanted to guard against possible attacks from Confederate ships or other foreign navies.
In 1863, another fort, Fort Stevens, was built across the river in Oregon. In 1864, the post at Cape Disappointment was renamed Fort Cape Disappointment. You can still see some of the old Civil War defenses today. These include the Tower Battery, Left Battery, and Center Battery.
Expanding the Fort
Fort Cape Disappointment grew bigger and was renamed Fort Canby in 1875. By 1906, it became part of a group of three forts that protected the Columbia River. The other forts were Fort Stevens and Fort Columbia. Fort Canby was made even stronger during World War II.
After World War II, the fort was no longer needed for military use. In the early 1950s, it became a state park. In the 1930s, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps helped fix up the fort. They also improved the roads and trails, making the park better for visitors.
Exploring the Park's Facilities
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is built on a high cliff. From here, you can see where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Inside the center, you can learn all about the 1803–1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. This journey went all the way from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Pacific coast. The center also teaches about the park's history, including the lighthouses, the U.S. Coast Guard, and military activities. You can also discover the area's sea history and natural environment.
Fun Activities and Amenities
Cape Disappointment State Park offers many exciting things to do.
- You can go camping or stay overnight in other types of lodging.
- There are 8 miles of hiking trails to explore.
- You can launch boats or other watercraft.
- There are picnic areas for outdoor meals.
- You can take tours of the North Head Lighthouse.
Camping and Stays
The park has many options for staying overnight. You can find regular campsites, RV sites with full hookups, yurts, and cabins. There are even historic vacation homes you can rent. The camping areas have restrooms with showers. A park store is nearby where you can buy groceries, wood for campfires, and grab a bite at a café.
Images for kids
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Recently-painted North Head Lighthouse
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Coast Guard training near North Head Lighthouse
