Hike of the Week: Coastal Forest

A hiker stops to admire a towering spruce tree along the Coastal Forest Loop

Coastal Forest

Big trees and sweeping views reign in this forest




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

December 1, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Long Beach Peninsula, Pacific County, WA
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 1.5 mile
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Access: From Ilwaco, take Loop Spur State Road 100 in either direction to Fort Canby Road. Follow to Cape Disappointment State Park. At a four way intersection, turn left toward boat launch. Trailhead is located in the northwest corner of the parking lot
Notes: Dogs must be leashed.


Two hundred years ago during a very wet and dreary November, Lewis and Clark traipsed around on Cape Disappointment admiring its natural splendor despite the terrible weather. Any hiker following the famous explorers’ steps this past November can safely conclude that the area’s scenery still radiates; and the weather can still be wet and dreary. But alas, it’s now December and we have been granted a much needed reprieve from last month’s record rainfall. Head on down to Cape Disappointment on the southern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula to stretch your legs out on a delightful coastal forest trail and savor the late autumn’s waning sunlight.
The Coastal Loop Trail actually comprises of two loops; a short and long version-both granting visitors an intimate journey through an old growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest on the mouth of the Columbia River. The longer loop includes a couple of view points on Baker Bay, a relatively calm cove near the treacherous mouth of the Columbia. Enjoy a sweeping view of the bay complete with the fishing village of Ilwaco in the background and the rolling Bear River Range behind it.
The Coastal Loop makes for a nice easy hike suitable for all ages and abilities. But if you are still itching for more terrain to explore, several other trails can be found in the sprawling 1,880 acre Cape Disappointment State Park. The park also offers year round camping with yurts if you’re inclined on sticking around for a quiet off-season get-away.