Big Wave Photography: Cape Disappointment, WA

***READ DRIVING DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM***

Welcome to the motherload of wave photography: Cape Dis.

Paparazzi cluster like penguins on the beach at every king tide to point a battery of lenses towards the lighthouse, waiting for that one spectacular moment on a memory card. There's a reason why this spot is so coveted.

Cape Dis is shaped like a giant hook ready to catch big game. The east jetty curves southward into the gaping maw of the Columbia River, ushering WSW wind swells towards the lighthouse. Powerful waves aim for half a mile of sheer cliffs and jagged sea stacks, detonating into white foam like the world's biggest cappuccino maker. The clapotis waves are legendary; that's when a wave smacks a wall, ricochets back out to sea, and then slaps the next incoming wave in a liquid high-five (pictured). I can watch this all day.

We'll meet in the Waikiki Beach parking lot (look for my deep blue Honda CRV and navy windbreaker) and view the wonderful chaos from a safe distance with our tripods for about an hour. Bring your lens cleaner, cloths, lens hood, camera sleeve, etc. to battle the fine salt water spray. You'll be 800' - 1200' from your quarry. We will NOT be accessing the beach or approaching the water at any time. Restrooms on site.

Afterwards, we'll head up to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center parking lot and hike from there up an inclined, paved 0.25 mi. trail to the quiet maritime museum and its nice modern restrooms. They have a gigantic west-facing window with spotting scope and binoculars to survey the Pacific, also a bench and promenade outside if you prefer fresh air on your face. Restrooms on site.

Finally, trail conditions permitting, we'll do a short, occasionally steep 1.2 mi. out and back hike to photogenic Dead Man's Cove and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. You are free to skip this hike and explore elsewhere but mind the setting sun because the park gates close at dusk (about 5 PM). Head home by 4 PM if you don't want to drive back to Portland in the dark.

Bring $10 (cash only), $10 state park fee (cash/card at fee station building kiosk), and an extra $5 if you plan to visit the Discovery Center's lower level museum (upper part where we'll be at is free), sturdy hiking boots, WEATHER appropriate clothing, trekking poles, water, food/snacks for 2 meals, binoculars/scope, and camera equipment. All locations are fully exposed to sun and wind except portions of the upper parking lot and lighthouse trails. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.

***DRIVING DIRECTIONS***
A lot of maps programs won't navigate you through Cape Disappointment State Park to Waikiki Beach, so get into the park on Fort Canby Road (Hwy 100) and head south. At the 4-way, turn right on Fort Canby/Jetty Road and stop at the fee station. Continue 0.1 mi. straight from there and then hang a left at the T-section. On your immediate right will be a restroom you can freshen up at. Go 0.2 mi. further and turn left into the parking area. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV, I'll be in a navy jacket and brown hiking pants.