The Lewis and Clark Monument in Ilwaco, Washington State, holds a significant place in American history. Named for its association with Captain John Meares failed attempt to find the Columbia River back in 1788, it marks the northern headlands where this mighty river meets the vast Pacific Ocean. The park derives its name from the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806, a critical event that opened up the entire west coast to further exploration and development.

The monument is situated at McKenzie Head Trail in Ilwaco, with the nearby Interpretive Center located at 244 Robert Gray Drive. The center operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., year-round, with visitors over 18 years required to pay an entrance fee.

One of the most striking features of this park is its panoramic view of the confluence between the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Cape Disappointment, already named when Lewis and Clark reached it in November 1788, serves as a prominent landmark here. The park also encompasses several significant sites from the expedition itself, including the most western campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition near Ilwaco, Washington.

For those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the area, an 8.2-mile trail stretches from the center of Ilwaco along Long Beach, offering a scenic route on foot. The Cape Disappointment State Park Interpretive Center complements this experience with detailed information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as insight into the natural history that surrounds it all.

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