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Cape Disappointment, Wa
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| Cape
Disappointment State Park (formerly Fort Canby State Park) is a
1,882-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the
Pacific Ocean. The park offers 27 miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses,
an interpretive center and hiking trails. Visitors enjoy beachcombing
and exploring the area's rich natural and cultural history. The nearby
coastal towns of Ilwaco and Long Beach feature special events and
festivals spring through fall. Details about the Camp Ground can be
found on the Washington
State Parks website.
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| After a
great time at the NWTFC at Cathlamet, Wa.
Judy and I continued on to Cape Disappointment state park near
Long Beach, Wa.. From
Cathlamet we used Hwy 4 to Naselle and 401 to the hwy 101 junction and
then on to Iiwaco and the camp ground.
While the roads were a little narrow and windy in spots it was an
enjoyable drive even in the rain. We checked in at 2:00 pm and
were set up by 2:30. The
camp site was full hook up including 20 amp power (metered at 30 amps),
sewer and water.
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| The site
was great with ample parking for TREK and toad, picnic table and plenty
of room to relax and spread out. I particularly liked the fact that the
site was separated by small trees from our neighbor.
While the rest rooms weren’t the newest in the world they were
clean and well maintained. |
| We arrived at the tail end of a pretty decent coastal
storm. After setting up we walked to the beach (maybe a 5 minute walk)
where we got to see an angry ocean. The sea was
running at sixteen feet. What an awesome display of natures force. |
| By Monday morning things began to clear up.
We took the opportunity to take a day trip up the Long Beach
spit. There wasn’t a lot going on but we did stop for an enjoyable
lunch and visited several craft shops and the free museum in Long Beach.
In the afternoon we visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, both light
houses in the area, and walked one of the many hiking trails. |
| That evening coastal black tail deer, raccoons, and a
cast of thousand squirrels wandered in and out of our site.
They seemed almost tame and while cautious weren’t afraid of
us. |
| Tuesday was sunny and warm.
We spent the entire morning walking the black sand beach, talking
with fellow beachcombers, and
letting Ozzie run. It was a
good day. |
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Our return trip was over the Astoria Bridge to the
Oregon side and then via Hwy 30 to Portland and finally home by
I-84. Again a nice drive with a few long grades but nothing that
the TREK couldn't handle with ease. |
| What a great way to start the season in the Pacific
North West. A great Club Rally at Cathlamet and a wonderful side
trip to Cape Disappointment, Wa. We've already made August
reservations to visit the cape again.
Submitted By: Greg Hollister
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