Just the drive, with the layers of pine trees climbing up the mountain in front of me, and the snow-capped volcano shrouded in a ring of clouds jutting to the sky above them, was enough to put a smile on my face and remind me what I love about this area.

Ok, with a name like Cape Disappointment, how can you NOT go see what this place is all about? Hiking trails, two lighthouses, a beautiful coastal drive, ocean views, a trail to a secluded cove. I’m here to tell you that there is nothing disappointing in this state park.

The plan was a short walk to see some lighthouses and watch the sun set on the Pacific. That's not exactly how it happened...

This trail starts out at 6,900 ft, and just keeps climbing. All the huffing and puffing is worth it, though, when you get to the expansive mountain view.

You never know what you might run into when you're hiking in the forest at the base of a mountain.

We forgot that when you head out to catch the sunset, the way back will be in the dark. We learned some lessons on this one.

Two short trails gave us stunning mountain views, beautiful spring flowers, and even took us to a little oasis with a waterfall and dragonflies!

A gorgeous hike on an old dirt road that leads to the ruins of a resort built in 1887 and a beautiful waterfall.

Not one, not two, but THREE caves, all in one hike. Oh, we also came across a smoldering fire pit and got a startling surprise in the shadowy depths.

Longer than expected, this trail takes you out to the ruins of a stone home built in the early 1900s.

With gorgeous views and lots of options to make it easy or difficult, this was the perfect pit-stop on our trip.

A sloping, narrow trail that meanders between plants and rocks and takes you down through washes and up to giant boulders.

This path was full of surprises, from a Prayer Circle to the top of the mountain to a little chapel. This trail had it all.

An uphill trek on a set of tire tracks, I was not prepared for the gorgeous views that were waiting at the top.

This hike follows the path of the Sacramento River and takes you right through a graveyard!

This trail allows hikers to get right down to river level and wade in the water.

Start out with a gorgeous panoramic view and head down to see the falls up close and personal. It's magical.

A Moderate hike for beginners leading behind a waterfall and out to the Sacramento River. Worth the stop for sure.