Visit Long Beach Peninsula Washington
Beachcomb, Birdwatch and Hike in Lewis and Clark’s footsteps
© Jan Lee
Jun 18, 2009
Kite flying may not have been on the Corps of Discovery’s agenda when they arrived on foot to the shores of the Pacific Ocean in 1805, but the winds that buffeted them on what is now called the Long Beach Peninsula must have seemed impressive.
Today, those stiff breezes are actually a tourist attraction. They are the essential ingredient to the City of Long Beach’s International Kite Festival, which takes place on the shores of Long Beach Peninsula each August.
Thousands of people turn up for the festival, which is represented by kites from all over the world, including Bali, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand. Centipede kites, long train kites, fighter kites, delta box kites, kites that imitate a popular fable, and kites that use color and design to create optical illusions are all part of the display and fun. The Washington State International Kite Festival takes place during the third weekend in August.
Bicycle and Driving Tours on Long Beach Peninsula
But strong winds and hot weather aren’t necessary to enjoy the Peninsula’s 28 miles of beaches. Stretching from Leadbetter Point at the Peninsula’s northern edge to Cape Disappointment at its southern tip, the Long Beach Peninsula is graced by unusual topography and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Leadbetter State Park, which overlooks the strait of Willapa Wildlife Refuge, is a favorite destination whether traveling by bicycle or car. The 43-mile Peninsula tour skirts past historical landmarks and protected wildlife habitat, showcasing views of both the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment, at the southern edge of the Peninsula, has gone by many names, and its monikers reflect the dramatic history of this area. Part of the coastline referred to as “the graveyard of the Pacific,” the mouth of the Columbia River has witnessed the demise of more than a thousand ships in the last three hundred years. Yet some of the most skilled and prominent explorers have traversed these waters, leaving a legacy of stories and maritime artifacts to local museums. Cape Disappointment State Park includes an historical interpretive center, as well as two lighthouses to explore.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Landmarks
Cape Disappointment is one of five parks in Washington and Oregon that showcase Lewis and Clark’s historical journey to the Pacific. Visitors can also trace Lewis and Clark’s steps by visiting many of the surrounding landmarks and interpretive sites that mark the Columbia River and Long Beach areas. Self-guided tours are available through the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.
The City of Long Beach, located just north of Cape Disappointment, is a prime vacation destination during the summer months, when there are more than a dozen history, art and food festivals in the area. Highlights run from the fascinating to the unusual, and include the Garlic Festival and Doggie Olympic Games. No one is left out of the fun.
Activities and Attractions in the Long Beach Area
Other activities and attractions on the Peninsula include:
- World Kite Museum, which features hundreds of kites and displays about their history
- Interpretive walks featuring murals, historic buildings and Lewis and Clark landmarks
- Horseback riding along the beach
- Charter ocean fishing
- Golfing at Long Beach’s nine-hole course
- Cranberry bog tours
Accommodations on the Peninsula include camping and RV sites at Cape Disappointment State Park and more than 15 private facilities. Motels, bed-and-breakfast inns, lodges and vacation rentals can be found up and down the Peninsula.
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