The pillow lava headlands of North Head and Cape Disappointment are excellent examples of the natural lava formation in Fort Canby. Continual accretion of the sand dunes provide living examples of coastal shoreline dynamics throughout the park. Fort Canby is home to several natural creations of beauty. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, beachcombing, surf, jetty and lake fishing, heritage site visitation, hiking, clamming and boating.

The U.S. Army named the fort in honor of General Canby, who, while negotiating a peace agreement with the Modoc in northern California and southern Oregon, was ambushed. The Cape Disappointment area has been declared a National Historic District.

• Take advantage of the beach for some beachcombing, surfing , jettying or lake fishing.