Lewis and Clark Expedition interpretation, a monument and a short steep trail await the visitor to McKenzie Head within Cape Disappointment State Park. It is upon this promontory that Clark’s group stood to view the Pacific Ocean:
“the waves appear to brake with tremendious force in every direction quite across a large Sand bar lies within the mouth nearest to point Adams which is nearly covered at high tide . . . . men appear much Satisfied with their trip beholding with estonishment the high waves dashing against the rocks & this emence ocian.”
—William Clark
The short climb up the old road to the top is worth the view and there is a bonus: the concrete World War II Battery 247. If you want to explore, bring a flashlight.
You can continue walking in the footsteps of William Clark by heading north on the North Head Trail which connects with the North Head Lighthouse.
243 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, USA
Distance: 0.42 mi (straight line)
North Head Trail, North Head Trail, Ilwaco, WA, USA
Distance: 0.52 mi (straight line)
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA, USA
Distance: 0.69 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours LC Features Walks and Hikes
Cape Disappointment State Park, Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA, USA
Distance: 0.98 mi (straight line)
Beard's Hollow Trailhead, Ilwaco, WA, USA
Distance: 1.31 mi (straight line)
Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, Lake St SE, Ilwaco, WA, USA
Distance: 1.85 mi (straight line)
World Kite Museum & Hall-Fame, Sid Snyder Drive, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 4.16 mi (straight line)
Long Beach Family Horse Rides, Sid Snyder Drive, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 4.17 mi (straight line)
Worlds Largest Frying Pan, Pacific Avenue South, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 4.41 mi (straight line)
Marsh's Free Museum, Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 4.43 mi (straight line)
Veteran's Field, 3rd Street Southeast, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 4.50 mi (straight line)
Discovery Trail, Long Beach, WA, USA
Distance: 5.01 mi (straight line)
Delaura Dune Trail North Trailhead, Jetty Road, Hammond, OR, USA
Distance: 6.53 mi (straight line)
Fort Columbia | Historical State Park, U.S. 101, Chinook, WA, USA
Distance: 7.12 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Forts Walks and Hikes
Fort Stevens State Park, Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR, USA
Distance: 7.18 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Forts RV and Camping Guided Tours
Middle Village - Station Camp (unit of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park), U.S. 101, Chinook, WA, USA
Distance: 7.79 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.
