LONG BEACH PENINSULA &
SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

Discover the exciting Long Beach Peninsula and beautiful Southwest Washington

1 Cape Disappointment Park and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive center

The 1,882 acre state park features the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The Center’s interactive exhibits, trails and park ranger programs commemorate the national significance of the linking of America from the Atlantic to the Pacific. From the interpretive center, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific, the Columbia River, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Nearby North Head Lighthouse also offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and the expansive beach extending 20-plus miles north.

This state park offers yurts, cabins, unique vacation homes as well as campsites and group camp accommodations. You’ll see old growth temperate rain forests, salt water marshes, and coastal tidelands in addition to dramatic viewscapes of the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia River. Visitors can launch their boats at Bakers Bay, dig for clams at Benson Beach, and catch salmon and crab off North Jetty.

Ride a bike, walk, or run the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail from Ilwaco over the Cape Disappointment headlands to Beards Hollow and through the dunes to Long Beach. Along the Columbia, explore the Meglar Rest Area (Dismal Nitch) near the Astoria-Megler Bridge where in 1805 the Corps, realizing they could go no further westward in their dugout canoes, moved from Dismal Nitch to the more sheltered summer residence of the Chinook Indians.

2 Lewis and Clark Campsite (Station Camp)

near Chinook. Once rested, Clark led a party of men over the Cape Disappointment headlands and up the beach to a mile north of present day Long Beach where they celebrated their arrival at the Pacific Ocean.

Clark carved on a tree the inscription, “William Clark, Nov. 19, 1805. By land from the U. States”.

3. At nearby Fort Columbia Historical State Park

you’ll see where coastal guns protected the bay during World War II and earlier wars.

There are 6,400 feet of scenic freshwater shoreline at this popular historic attraction.

Long Beach Peninsula

4. The 28-mile Long Beach Peninsula

is one of the Pacific Coast’s most enjoyed vacation destinations.

William Clark explored its sandy beaches in 1805. Five state parks including Cape Disappointment, Fort Columbia, Loomis Lake, Pacific Pines and Leadbetter Point are focal points for a variety of fun, year-round activities. From the fishing village of Ilwaco you can head north to explore other unique, coastal communities including Seaview and its Victorian-era architecture, festive Long Beach with kite shops, horseback riding, ice cream stands and more, serene Klipsan Beach, and the peaceful village of Ocean Park, then continue north on the Willapa Bay Side of the Peninsula to Nahcotta, Oysterville and Leadbetter Point State Park for great bird watching. Friendly volunteers at the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Center at the junction of SR 103 and US 101 in Seaview can point out outstanding restaurants, fresh seafood markets and other points of interest. Discovery Awaits!

The Discovery Tour the goes

East and North on US 101

5. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Walk along the Willapa Interpretive Trail and see Long Island, home to an ancient grove of red cedars.

6. South Bend

The home of the Pacific County Courthouse, know for its magnificent art glass dome. Raymond, at the mouth of the Willapa River, greets visitors with 200 life-sized steel statues of people and wildlife along US 101 and downtown. The Northwest Carriage Museum is also here. The 5-mile Willapa River Trail connects Raymond and South Bend.

North of Raymond, take SR 105 west to Grayland Beach State Park for the beach loop campground trails that lead to grassy dunes, wind-bent shore pines and the Pacific. Continuing north is Twin Harbors State Park and its classic Washington State Park coastal vacation experience.

7. Westport

This fishing village is home to The Maritime Museum.

Explore the Westport Lighthouse at the Westport Light State Park.

Continue North on SR 105 around Grays Harbor

8. Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen.

Step aboard Washington’s tall ships the Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington.

At Hoquiam you can explore the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.

Take SR 109 west

9. Ocean City State Park

A 170-acre camping park with ocean beach, dunes and shore pine.

The Discovery Tour goes East from Aberdeen on US 12

10. Lake Sylvia State Park

Located in a former logging camp above the historic town of Montesano.

A large swimming and fishing lake draws families here, and the old logging roads are now bike trails offering a great way to get out and experience nature. Up the road is Elma, gateway to Grays Harbor. Take US 12 south along the Chehalis River to Grand Mound, home of the Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park.

At Grand Mound take I-5 south

11. Centralia

Here you’ll find the Centralia Rollerdome, the Centralia Factory Outlets, and the Historic Downtown District.

12. Chehalis

You can access the Eastern trailhead of the scenic 56-mile Willapa Hills State Park Trail in Chehalis.

It’s a great gravel trail experience for hikers, joggers. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum is also located in Chehalis.

13. Rainbow Falls State Park

Offers camping in the heart of an old-growth forest and a rainbow-crowned waterfall.

The Matilda Jackson State Park Heritage Site, a wonderful day-use park is also near Chehalis.

Going south on I-5

14. Lewis and Clark State Park

offers hiking and horseback riding through a stand of old-growth trees on the historic north spur of the Oregon Trail.

15. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and Seaquest State Park

at Silver Lake, less than 10 minutes from I-5.

They are great places to learn about the historic Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption. Seaquest State Park connects to the Visitor Center by way of a pedestrian tunnel. Hiking and biking trails abound at the park which also offers camping and overnight accommodations.