GO: The Yurts at Cape Disappointment

Where can you stay on the Washington coast for under $70 a night? Ok, besides your tent!

Cape Disappointment is a fabulous Washington State Park at the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula, situated where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Its location is absolutely stunning, and the nearly 2,000-acre park has seven miles of hiking trails to keep you in great shape during your visit and get you to some truly dramatic views. And, every little seaside town you pass through on the way there sells saltwater taffy. Ahoy!

Cape Disappointment has 14 yurts. They have three cabins, too. And if you’re happy sleeping even more cheaply in your tent or RV, there’s a campground as well.

The yurts at Cape Disappointment are within walking distance of the beach, where you can watch waves pound steep cliffs or stroll along the sand. Once you’ve had enough of that, peruse the region’s history at the newly expanded Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Cape Disappointment’s cabins are tucked in an alder forest on the shore of Lake O’Neil. Each cabin is 13’x13′ with a covered porch, and is furnished with a bunk bed that sleeps three, a full-size futon and small end table. Like the yurts, you will have your own picnic table, electric heat, lights, fire pit with grate and locking doors, with bathrooms and showers nearby.

There’s no real roughing it here — you’ll feel right at home with the yurts’ warm furnishings and electricity. Each yurt is 16 feet in diameter by 10 feet high and furnished with bunk beds that sleep three, full-size futon, floor lamp, small end table and heater. Skylights and screened windows bring the outdoors in, and the yurts have hardwood floors and locking doors. You will love relaxing outside on the ADA-compliant deck, eating at the picnic table and building a cozy fire in the fire pit.

Details for yurts and cabins, as of 2023:

Up to six people per yurt or cabin.
$79 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin May 15 – Sept. 15;
$64-$74 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin from Sept. 16 to May 14.
Reservations: online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Details for camping: Cape Disappointment has 137 standard campsites, 50 full hookup sites, 18 sites with water and electricity only, five primitive campsites. Rates range from $12 (for primitive sites) to $50 (for full-utility hookup sites).

TRAVEL GUIDE: Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

What is a Yurt?

Yurts are circular, domed tents made of extra-heavy, durable canvas and they have spacious, heated interiors. (Though come prepared with blankets and warm clothing as nights here can get quite cool.) Yurts evidently served as traditional shelters for nomadic people in Asia. Now, they’re a comfortable, affordable way to visit stay at some of our region’s fabulous natural areas.

A Hike with History

North Head, Cape Disappointment State Park
4.2 miles RT, 300 ft gain. Discover Pass required

Washington state’s modern history started right here at Cape Disappointment when the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the mouth of the Columbia River, hiked up this 700-ft towering basalt headland, and spotted the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Traverse through a misty coastal Sitka spruce forest with peek-a-boo views to the churning sea. You’ll come to a parking lot and the lighthouse keepers’ residences, then head down a short path to the 1898 North Head Lighthouse, one of two in the park to guide mariners into the river to avert history from repeating itself — frequent shipwrecks once earned this infamous stretch of coast the nickname “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Stop at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in the park to learn more stories of their journey.

For more history hikes and yurt rentals, check out my new book 52 Ways to Nature, Washington: Your Seasonal Guide to a Wilder Year.