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Where is Ilwaco located?
- The city of Ilwaco is part of the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington state, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
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Why is Ilwaco famous for fishing?
- The Port of Ilwaco is sometimes referred to as the world capital when it comes to salmon fishing, but its attractions don’t stop there.
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What can visitors do at Cape Disappointment State Park?
- Cape Disappointment State Park is home to two beautiful lighthouses with plenty of history, as well as some great hiking and camping opportunities and a great interpretive center.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Ilwaco?
- The beautiful shore, with its crashing waves and beaches ripe for the picking with shellfish, is incredibly picturesque and offers opportunities for activities and sightseeing.
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What local cuisine should visitors try in Ilwaco?
- Once the day is complete, visitors won’t be able to leave without trying some fresh-caught and expertly prepared seafood.
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1. 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
2. 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. 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
4. 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. 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. 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
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, great for exploring coastal trails and fishing.
Salt Hotel & Pub – Cozy waterfront lodging with great food and scenic views.
Visit Cape Disappointment State Park – Hike trails, see lighthouses, and enjoy ocean views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for beachcombing, fishing, and festivals.
Inn at Harbour Village – Historic boutique hotel near the harbor.
Explore the Ilwaco Saturday Market – Enjoy fresh seafood, crafts, and local produce.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer crowds, great for storm watching and scenic drives.
China Beach Retreat – A quiet and picturesque retreat with bay views.
Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – Learn about the expedition and enjoy stunning views.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and misty, ideal for cozy getaways and storm-watching.
Heidi’s Inn Ilwaco – Budget-friendly and comfortable lodging near local attractions.
Enjoy winter storm watching – Experience the Pacific’s power from scenic viewpoints.
Plan Your Trip
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