16×20 Cape Disappointment oil by Bev Birdwell
Cape Disappointment is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic and scenic landmarks. It is renowned for its breathtaking views. It is also known for its rich maritime history. It is at the extreme southwest corner of Washington. Here, rugged cliffs meet serene beaches. This creates a unique coastal experience. As the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, you can witness the dynamic interplay of tides and currents. This offers a mesmerizing sight for nature lovers. Photographers will also find it captivating. This remarkable location is also a historical site. It preserves various artifacts and stories from the region’s exploration era. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and a glimpse into the past.
The name was bestowed in 1788 by British fur trader Captain John Meares. He searched for the mouth of the Columbia River. He mistook it for a mere bay due to the treacherous shallow shoals. Frustrated by his inability to enter the river, he named the headland to show his failure. He was unaware that he had actually found exactly what he was looking for.
About the artist:
Beverly Birdwell has called Vancouver, Washington, home for the past 40 years. She has operated her painting studio, Arts Desire, on her home property for three decades. Beverly served as a staff teacher for Susan Scheewe Publications for 13 years. She has also taught workshops at various art conventions and other art studios.
She completed four international teaching residencies at K Kingdom in Taiwan, representing Martin F. Weber/Susan Scheewe.
While semi-retired, Beverly remains active in teaching and traveling to seek new inspiration for her work.
“After searching for the best observation point at Cape Disappointment, we were finally directed to Waikiki Beach near Ilwaco, WA. Our visit coincided with a king tide weekend, which was incredibly exciting.
I took many photos during the event, which will serve as excellent references for my future paintings.” Bev Birdwell, 2026
The king tide is the highest predicted high tide of the year at a coastal location. In Ilwaco, WA, king tides reach their highest level of the year in January. This happens when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align. They also produce massive surf at Cape Disappointment State Park. Expect peak action with elevated tidal surges. This makes it a prime spot for storm watching.
- Attention Restoration: Watching waves allows for “soft fascination,” a state where your mind is engaged but not taxed. This helps restore your ability to focus after periods of intense work or stress.
- Sense of Awe: The vastness of the ocean inspires awe. It has been shown to reduce self-interest. It also increases prosocial behaviors, like empathy and humility.
- Perspective Shift: The sheer scale of the sea serves as a reminder of something larger than oneself. This realization can make personal problems feel smaller and more manageable.
- Mindfulness: Waves demand your attention. Watching the surf makes it difficult to ruminate on the past or future. The constant movement forces you to stay in the now.
- Grounding: Watching the relentless, rhythmic cycle of waves crashing and receding helps anchor you in the current moment. This practice makes it an effective tool for managing stress.
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