Looking for a quiet harbor town with ocean views and Pacific Northwest charm? Head to Ilwaco! Tucked at the mouth of the Columbia River on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, Ilwaco is a working fishing port with easy access to lighthouses, art galleries, and wild coastal landscapes. Whether you’re into beachcombing, boating, or exploring maritime history, Ilwaco makes a laid-back and scenic getaway.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Ilwaco is from late spring through early fall (May to September). If you want mild weather, ocean breezes, and access to trails and harborside markets, summer is the most pleasant. Coastal fog is common, but it usually burns off by midday—pack layers just in case.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Ilwaco is located along U.S. Highway 101 at the southwestern tip of Washington. It’s about 2.5 hours from Portland, OR, and 3.5 hours from Seattle.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Portland International (PDX). From there, rent a car for the scenic drive through Oregon’s north coast or up through Astoria.
- By Bus: Pacific Transit System provides limited local bus service across the Long Beach Peninsula and connections to Astoria, Oregon.
Where I like to stay
- Salt Hotel & Pub – Stylish and modern rooms right on the Ilwaco harbor, with a popular restaurant and gorgeous water views.
- Col-Pacific Motel – A budget-friendly, clean, and convenient spot located just a short walk from the port and downtown.
- Harborview Inn & RV Park – Perfect if you’re traveling by RV or want a casual, dog-friendly stay with marina access and friendly vibes.
Start your visit here
1. Hike, Camp, and Beachcomb at Cape Disappointment State Park
In spite of its lackluster name, Cape Disappointment State Park is full of beautiful nature, stunning historic lighthouses, abandoned military outposts, and the smell of the salty sea air, and a trip here is sure to entertain. Cape Disappointment’s name comes from Captain John Meares, and his failed expedition to cross the river bar. Today, the park consists of over two thousand acres of campgrounds, tidelands, old forests, and lakes. Visitors looking to spend the night at Cape Disappointment can choose to camp in a yurt, cabin, rental home, or tent, and those on a day trip can make ample use of the hiking trails, boat ramp, and picnic facilities, as well as the exhibits in the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, Phone: 888-226-7688
If you are looking for something romantic, check out the lighthouses
2. Climb to Coastal Views at the Historic North Head Lighthouse
Just a few miles north of Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse stands on a rocky edge of shoreline, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. North Head Lighthouse first began its nightly watch of the shoreline, guiding ships safely to harbor, when it was first lit in 1898 to help curtail the number of shipwrecks that occurred as ships sailed toward Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. To differentiate from these two neighbors, North Head Lighthouse shone only a white light, as opposed to the red and white flashes of Cape Disappointment’s beacon. Since 2012, North Head Lighthouse has been part of the Washington State Parks system, and visitors can enjoy a short hike to the lighthouse, where they will find all the original buildings in their picturesque setting.
N Head Lighthouse Rd, Ilwaco, WA 98624
3. Explore Dramatic Cliffs and History at Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
When Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was first built in 1848, it wasn’t even part of Washington, because the area was still part of the Oregon territory at the time. Then, when the lighthouse tower was built, the creators ordered a state of the art lens for it that proved to be too large for the tower. So rather than order another lens, they rebuilt the tower so that it would fit, a process that took an extra two years. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was officially lit for the first time in 1856, and though it was beautiful and a feat or architecture, its shortcomings—including a bell that couldn’t be heard over the sound of the waves, and a light that couldn’t be seen by ships coming from the north—resulted in the construction of North Head Lighthouse. Still, this gorgeous lighthouse’s grounds are open to the public as part of Cape Disappointment State Park.
Ilwaco, WA 98624
If you are traveling with kids
4. Trace an Epic Journey at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
This educational interpretive center serves as an entry point for visitors coming to Cape Disappointment State Park, and its location right on the coast, 200 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific ocean, with a view of the lighthouse, makes it a worthy stop on any visit. The exhibits in the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center detail the expeditions and discoveries of these two famous American explorers, and visitors can also view a short film, visit the gift shop for some souvenirs, and look out over the ocean and the lighthouse from the observation deck.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, Phone: 360-642-3029
5. Spot Wildlife and Stroll Scenic Trails at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on the coast of the Willapa Bay, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for many protected ecosystems and the plants and animals who live there. When visiting Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, guests may be fortunate to spot wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, the endangered brown pelican, and even large animals such as elk and black bears. Its 11,000 acres contain a wide variety of land types, from sand dunes and beaches to grasslands, forests, and marshes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting (within regulations), camping, boating, fishing, and clam and oyster harvesting.
3888 US-101, Ilwaco, WA 98624, Phone: 360-484-3482
6. Uncover Coastal Stories at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
There is a lot of history and heritage in and around Ilwaco, and the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum aims to celebrate the people who have called the region home throughout history. The museum contains permanent galleries with photos, paintings, sketches, and other artifacts dedicated to teaching visitors about the Chinook People, their way of life, and the coming of the Euro-American people. Artifacts on display include furniture, tools and other goods, and even a 26 foot long boat. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am until 4pm, and there is a small museum gift shop on the premises as well, which is open during operating hours.
115 Lake St SE, Ilwaco, WA 98624, Phone: 360-642-3446
Worth the stop
- Port of Ilwaco – Stroll the docks, watch fishing boats come and go, and shop local art and seafood at the Saturday market (seasonal).
- Discovery Trail – A paved walking and biking trail stretching from Ilwaco to Long Beach. If you want ocean views and fresh air without too much effort, this is a great option.
Where I Like to Eat
- Salt Pub – If you're looking for fresh seafood, local beer, and waterfront ambiance, this harborfront favorite is the go-to dinner spot.
- Serious Pizza – Laid-back and delicious, with big portions and house-made dough. Great after a day of hiking or beachcombing.
- Buoy 10 Café – A cozy spot for breakfast or brunch, offering hearty scrambles, great coffee, and friendly service right near the harbor.
- OleBob’s Seafood Market & Galley – Shop for fresh local fish or grab a bowl of clam chowder and fish and chips at this casual dockside eatery.
If You’re Interested in Local Events
- Ilwaco Saturday Market (May–September) – Local crafts, produce, seafood, and live music fill the harbor front each weekend.
- Independence Day Fireworks (July 4) – Celebrate with a dazzling waterfront fireworks show, plus food vendors and music at the port.
- Crab Pot Christmas Tree (December) – A festive and quirky local tradition featuring a towering tree made of crab pots lit up for the holidays.
Day Trips from Ilwaco
- Long Beach (10 min) – Visit one of the longest beaches in the U.S., fly a kite, go horseback riding, or grab some saltwater taffy on the boardwalk.
- Astoria, Oregon (30 min) – Explore this historic port town with craft breweries, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and scenic riverfront shops and restaurants.
- Leadbetter Point State Park (1 hr) – Remote and wild, this park at the tip of the peninsula offers birdwatching, beach walks, and peaceful seclusion.
- Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (20 min) – Hike scenic trails, view rare birds, and explore an art walk nestled into the natural landscape.
- Ocean Park (25 min) – A quiet village with antique shops, cozy cafés, and access to more pristine beach stretches on the peninsula.
Plan Your Trip