ILWACO, Wash. — First, the good news: Pacific County’s most popular state park is finally receiving a substantial overhaul to its facilities and infrastructure. The bad news? The work that is scheduled to begin this fall will result in much of the park being closed to visitors into the spring of 2025.

A spokesperson for Washington State Parks confirmed to the Chinook Observer last week that most of Cape Disappointment State Park is tentatively set to be closed for a six-month period from mid-September year through the following March.

The work that is slated to get underway during the park’s closure includes, among other things, redoing the entire park entrance, installing a new trail and taking down — and eventually replacing — the park’s existing administration office.

Construction is expected to be wrapped up before the park reopens next spring.

The trail work will connect the two ends of the confluence of Three Waters Trail, which was designed by architect Maya Lin, and will also provide access to the Lake O’Neil overlook. Some areas within the park will also be restored as a wetland habitat, and the campground road will undergo extensive repairs.

“Long term, this is good news for the park and those who love it because the new entrance and repaired roads will make traffic flow easier and safer,” the spokesperson said in an email. “The new trail will provide more hiking opportunities and the restored wetland areas will add to the beauty of the park while also protecting habitat for birds and animals — and provide more birding and wildlife viewing for visitors.”

In last year’s session of the Washington State Legislature, nearly $8 million in funding for a trio of projects at the park were included in the state budget that was passed and signed into law at the end of the session. About $4.8 million of that total is earmarked for construction of a new welcome center and office building, the installation of a boardwalk trail and road realignment and parking.

Another $3.1 million was set aside for culvert replacements and road improvements along the park’s campground access road. The road was constructed in the 1930s and built across alluvial sand and gravel, and while there have been targeted pavement repairs in recent years, the development of additional erosion and sinkholes have threatened the stability and safety of the road.

Also included in the state budget was $89,000 for the work on the Three Waters Trail.

The park’s closure, according to the spokesperson, specifically affects Waikiki Beach and camping loops A, B, C and D. Visitors will not be able to camp in the park beginning Sept. 16, although the vacation homes — the lightkeepers’ residences — at Cape Disappointment and at nearby Fort Columbia State Park will remain open.

“Parks is tasked with the maintenance and upkeep of the lands entrusted to us, including conservation of natural resources and recreation access for generations to come. These parts of our mission sometimes require temporary closures. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to improve the park,” the spokesperson stated.

Certain areas of the park will still be open for day use, including the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse, Beard’s Hollow and the boat launch.