Even though so many signs of city life were surrounding me, with the canopy of the trees above and birds flitting from branch to branch, and the sound of the shallow creek cascading over the rocky bottom, I felt like I was walking in a forest.

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.

It was the middle of winter, a blanket of clouds hovered above the trees, it was cold enough to see my breath, precipitation fluctuated between a heavy mist and a light sprinkle, the ground was muddy in some areas, and the trees were covered in bright green moss. It’s like a party is happening on those bare branches.

I went searching for a place to hike along the coast and found myself in a little state park with several trails that had different look-out points over the pacific.

Humans may have built the road, but it is very clear that the forest owns this space and the humans are only visiting.

We meandered through this peaceful old growth forest, learned a little bit about logging in the 19th century, and made a peaceful stop in the Chapel in the Pines.

We took a trip down memory lane and ended up at a roadside stream, crossing a ferry, and reminiscing at a little river where I used to catch crayfish.

This super easy hike keeps you in the shade with the river rushing along beside you while you meander through the forest.

This week we explored an old cemetery, found a cove on a lake, and probably saved a woman from being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

A beautiful hike around a glassy lake with mountain views that begin before you even get out of the car.

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

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

This short, flat, wheelchair accessible trail offers mountain views and birdwatching.