I've always wanted to visit Cape Disappointment, but I couldn't justify the extra long drive for a smaller collection of hikes. However, take the scenic route to the Oregon Coast and Cape Disappointment makes for a lovely place to stretch your legs. We ultimately made four stops in the park, as we didn't have time to stitch all the trails together on foot. Here's a quick run-down of each stop:

• Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail - Hiking for about an hour, I really appreciated that the trail opened up to grassy sand dunes and a full view of Long Beach. Not a lot of sea stacks, but totally ADA accessible. Spotted a preying mantis, a few hawks and definitely seagulls.
• North Point Lighthouse & Bell's Overlook - Quick quarter mile jaunts, also ADA accessible. The old munitions barracks were very cool on Bell's Overlook, and the North Point Lighthouse was breathtaking.
• Waikiki Beach Jetty - The full road to the jetty is closed, but there's a small parking lot where you can see the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse on its bluff, towering above crashing waves. No hiking available here.
• Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - Not ADA accessible, and even a bit muddy and slippery. Definitely the most difficult trail of the lot, and we spotted some folks struggling on the incline. The spurs to Dead Man's Cove are still closed, but you can get a pretty good view from the trail anyways. Cape Disappointment lighthouse was cool, but in definite disrepair. The U.S. Coast Guard still monitors the sand bars at the mouth of the Columbia, so you'll most likely spot some people actively working.

Overall, we spent a bit over two hours tripping around the park, and enjoyed it immensely. October is off-season for most state parks, but Cape Disappointment was still hopping. I can only imagine how busy it gets in high summer!

We went from Beards Hollow to the northern terminus of the trail (Northern part of Long Beach).  It begins in a wooded area before coming out in the dunes along the Pacific.  This paved path is perfect for all ages and abilities, walkers, bikers, stroller rollers, with several intersecting points from which you can access the trail to make it as long or short as you like.  In addition to the brilliant views of the dune grasses, ocean and the boardwalk (that parallels the trail near Long Beach), there are several exhibits along the way.  

We returned to Beards Hollow and took the Discovery trail the opposite direction up to the lighthouse and Bells Overlook. Again these are all paved paths.   The trail to the overlook is a short walk with some military gun batteries along way, which were popular with the families we shared the trail with.  The lighthouse was closed for renovations but you could walk up to where it was gated off to get a closer view.

Hike #2 of our first day at Cape Disappointment state park - we were hoping to find Beards Holllow; however this trail leads north to Long Beach (duly noted).  Still a nice walk - it is a paved walking/biking path with quite a few cyclists to be aware of.  We did spot a sea lion on the beach (kind of cool) and got a picture from a distance.  Sorry for the quality (zoomed in) but we wanted to stay as far away from it as we could.  

Beautiful little trail! Great one to check out if you're in the area. My husband and I absolutely love the Ilwaco/Long Beach area. This trail is part of the reason why we love it so much. Be sure to stop at the Deadman's Cove on your way up to the lighthouse! Trail will likely be muddy at first - wear water proof shoes!

Took my 5y.o. Granddaughter on this. Nice boardwalk and paved trail back.  Lots of access trails direct to beach or into Longbeach.  If needing to get to a bathroom don't push it.  Nice, steady breeze, overcast. 

Deserves an an ice cream at Scoopes.