Lighthouses were always very fascinating for us.
Along with the charm they bear, they work accordingly to serve the ocean and the vessels for safe navigation.
Magic, history, adventure, and fun all prevail in almost all the iconic lighthouses in the United States.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following lighthouses that you can visit in the West coast,
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
- Battery Point Lighthouse
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Coquille River Lighthouse
- Cape Flattery Lighthouse
- Point Wilson Lighthouse
Let’s see each of these lighthouses in detail…
1. Point Pinos Lighthouse
This lighthouse was first lit on the 1st of February, 1855, and is the oldest lighthouse on the western coast of the US.
There were numerous light keepers, but the most famous one was Mrs. Emily Fish. She served from 1893 to 1914 and was known as the “Socialite keeper”, as she loved to entertain her guests at the lighthouse.
It is still in use as an active US coast guard and helps in navigation on the pacific coast. The pacific grove exhibits lighthouse-related functions as well as a few of the old items by creating a museum.
The height of the lighthouse is about 27 m and the light had to be lit one hour before sunset and must be kept lit up to one hour after sunrise.
Today this lighthouse is on the national register of historic places.
Saturdays and Sundays are open for tourists to look into the history and the beauty of the place.
2. Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
The Alcatraz Island lighthouse was built and completed in 1854 on the island of Alcatraz. It served as a citadel and a military prison to the bay.
It was once changed in 1909, due to an earthquake, and again it was replaced with a modern beacon in 1963.
The lighthouse tower is converted into a museum in the year 2000 and can easily be visited.
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The lighthouse can be seen on this island on the west coast from afar and is worth looking at from a distance.
Exploring this lighthouse will show you how it used to work once upon a time back in the 1800s and all the past that it holds still today, with the feel of the ocean, the breeze, and the thrilling experience.
3. Battery Point Lighthouse
This is another lighthouse that is listed on the National register of historic places and is registered as a California historical landmark.
It is located in Crescent City, California, US.
The lighthouse was constructed for economical survival as the region was full of rugged mountains and unbridged rivers.
It survived the 1964 Alaskan earthquake and tsunami and served as the harbor’s navigator.
The Battery point lighthouse and museum are open only during the low tides, in recent days.
From April to September between 10 am and 4 pm and from October to March, it is open on weekends between 10 am to 4 pm.
If it is high tide, the land bridge disappears and therefore the visitors won’t be able to go to the lighthouse structure.
In the museum, you will be able to see furniture, artifacts, and lighthouse keepers’ quarters dating back to the 1850s. the old photos, maritime artifacts as well as historical documents are also on display.
The tour will insist you climb into the lighthouse tower.
There are even two novels on the battery point lighthouse, the lightkeeper’s daughter, by Colleen Coble, and the other one Walk across the sea, by Susan Fletcher.
The music video, “Not a moment too soon”, includes scenes and a glimpse of the lighthouse.
4. Pigeon Point Lighthouse
The Pigeon point lighthouse was built in 1871 on the west coast of the US.
Currently, it is serving the navigation system and is considered to be the tallest one, the height is 35 meters.
It is located on the coastal highway, 8km south of Pescadero, California.
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On the Pacific coast, it is one of the most picturesque structures. It got its name from the ship Carrier Pigeon, which got wrecked here in 1853.
The light is nominated for California Historical Landmark no. 930.
This lighthouse is under construction currently, however, you can visit to just adore its beauty and the surrounding of it, which is just like the ones shown in movies.
5. Cape Meares Lighthouse
Located on Cape Meares, it is an inactive lighthouse, on the Oregon coast. It was built in an octagonal shape, in 1890 to serve Tillamook Bay.
The lighthouse was permanently turned off on Wednesday, 25th of June, 2014, by the US coast guard as there was no necessity for safe navigation on that particular coast.
A very, soothing, calm, quietness can be felt while looking at the surroundings of this area.
The camera-perfect scenery can be seen from this lighthouse.
You can also plan a road trip to this place and enjoy a great picnic.
The weather remains just perfect and the views will steal your heart. Make sure to give glance at the octopus tree.
6. Coquille River Lighthouse
The Bandon lighthouse, generally known as the Coquille lighthouse, is located in Bandon, Oregon.
The Oregon park and recreation department maintains it in recent days.
The red and white tower with a black lantern gives it a distinct characteristic. It served greatly and aided the vessels to pass the dangerous shifting sandbars into the river Coquille.
A renovation project took place and was finished in 2011.
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The perfect setting, mesmerizing light of the sunset, great locals, and perfect view of the wildlife and the river add to the light houses’ characteristics.
A long drive to this place and getting a perfect spot by the water is what is needed in the busy schedule.
So, if you are in Oregon, make sure to visit this historic masterpiece.
7. Cape Flattery Lighthouse
This lighthouse was built at the opening of the Strait of Juan de Fuca close to Neah Bay, Clallam country in Washington, US.
On the west coast of the United States, this is the North-western lighthouse.
The lighthouse is visible from the cape flattery trail and is one of the most charming structures along with its enveloping area. It is almost like watching a quaint historic structure unfolding in front of your eyes.
Walking by the trail, devouring the oceanic view, chirping birds, caves, airy atmosphere, and the lighthouse in front of your eyes, tranquillity at a different level.
8. Point Wilson Lighthouse
The lighthouse got its name after Captain George Wilson, a colleague of Captain George Vancouver who named it.
It is located in Fort Worden State Park close to Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington.
The Point Wilson lighthouse is the most significant navigational help in the state of Washington.
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The structure was listed on the Washington State Heritage Register and the National Register of historic places in the year 1971.
The history it holds is amazing. The place is well maintained and there will be guides to explain all the information well to you.
Of course, you will be able to enjoy the ocean and its mesmerizing views along with the backdrop of the magical lighthouse structure.
This lighthouse is in use to date.
These are some of the popular lighthouses that you can visit on the West coast of the United States.
If you live anywhere near the western coast of the US or maybe a bit far from the west, it is worth visiting these lighthouses.
The number of age-old stories they contain is crazy. You will only be able to feel it and know it when you give a visit.
You can also visit some of the popular lighthouses on the east coast of the United States.
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