9 Beautiful Lighthouses in Washington State You Have to See
These lighthouses in Washington State are worth a visit.
Washington state has some of the most picturesque lighthouses in the country. These lighthouses in Washington State not only guide mariners safely through the nearby waters, but also are beautiful to visit.
9 Stunning Lighthouses in Washington State to Visit
Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Coupeville
Year first lit: 1903
Year deactivated: 1922
Focal height: 120 ft.
Coordinates: 48.1608°N 122.6810°W
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is located in Coupeville on Whidbey Island. You can view the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains from this beautiful lighthouse on Whidbey Island.
Admiralty Head Lightouse was deactivated in 1922, but you can visit it to learn more about its history and purchase gifts. It is located right next to Fort Casey and visiting these historic sites are some of our favorite things to do on Whidbey Island.
Related Post: Exploring Whidbey Island Washington: The Ultimate Local’s Guide
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
Year first lit: 1856
Focal height: 220 ft.
Coordinates: 46.2758°N 124.0522°W
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Washington State. After changing its name a few times, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is now named from Captain John Meares.
Captain Meares was searching for shelter in 1788, and wrote, “Disappointment continued to accompany us. We can safely exert that no river San Rogue exists.” This led to him naming the cape, Cape Disappointment.
Grays Harbor Lighthouse, Westport
Year first lit: 1898
Focal height: 123 ft.
Coordinates: 46.8882°N 124.1169°W
Admissions is $5 for visitors who want to climb, with free admission for Coast Guard (Active and Retired with ID). and a discounted admission fee of $4 for all other Active and Retired military.
Visitors who want to climb the lighthouse must be 5 years of age and older and at least 40″ tall.
You can find the current schedule for Grays Harbor Lighthouse.
Lime Kiln Lighthouse, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands
Year first lit: 1919
Focal height: 55 ft.
Coordinates: 48.5160°N 123.1524°W
Lime Kiln Lighthouse sits at the entrance to Haro Strait, on the western side of San Juan Island. It is open to the public during the summer months of June, July, and August.
The Lime Kiln Lighthouse is a popular spot for whale watching and you can find orcas in its surrounding waters. The surrounding area, Lime Kiln Point State Park, has picnic areas and hiking trails to explore. You can find a self-guided interpretive trail, as well as ligthhouse tours during the summer.
Mukilteo Lighthouse, Mukilteo
Year first lit: 1906
Focal height: 33 ft.
Coordinates: 47.9487°N 122.3062°W
The Mukilteo Light Station is part of Lighthouse Park. You can hold special events at the Rosehill Community Center here, and it’s a popular spot for weddings, memorial services, and military commissions.
The Light Station includes a gift shop, the keeper’s house, and the lighthouse, and can be rented out. This is one of the most popular lighthouses in Washington State.
North Head Lighthouse, Ilwaco
Year first lit: 1898
Focal height: 194 ft.
Coordinates: 46.2989°N 124.0780°W
North Head Lighthouse is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays 11 AM – 3 PM from May through September. It is free for 17 and under, and costs $2.50 for ages 18+.
North Head Lighthouse is located in Cape Disappointment State Park. Up until 1856, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was the primary source of navigating maritimers across the waters. But a second lighthouse was built after a large number of shipwrecks continued at what was called the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”
The North Head Lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper’s wife.
Point Robinson Lighthouse, Vashon
Year first lit: 1915
Focal height: 40 ft.
Coordinates: 47.3881°N 122.3744°W
Point Robinson Lighthouse has two fully restored Keepers’ Quarters that are available for rent. You can find a gift shop on the grounds, and occasionally see Orcas swimming close to the shoreline. You can also find a picnic area and beautiful views of the East Passage, Mount Rainier, and Tacoma.
Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend
Year first lit: 1914
Focal height: 51 ft.
Coordinates: 48.1442°N 122.7548°W
The Point Wilson Light Station is located within Fort Worden State Park, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Admiralty Inlet. You can visit or take a tour at the Lighthouse during the summer months.
The Point Wilson Light Station rents out the Chief’s House and features 4 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, a formal dining room, living room and kitchen.
West Point Lighthouse, Seattle
Year first lit: 1881
Focal height: 27 ft.
Coordinates: 47.6620°N 122.4357°W
You can find gorgeous views of the Puget Sound when you visit West Point Lighthouse in Seattle. Located inside Discovery Park, you must take a walking trail to get to the beach and lighthouse.
You can get directions at the Visitor Center, as well as take a shuttle if you do not want to make the hike. Admission is free of charge, and it is open from 6 AM – 11 PM daily.
FAQ about Washington State Lighthouses
How many lighthouses are in Washington State?
There has been 30 lighthouses in Washington State. Admiralty Head Lighthouse is now a museum you can visit on Whidbey Island. Mukilteo Lighthouse is also a museum, but still remains an active lighthouse.
Cape Flattery Lightouse and Ediz Hook Lighthouse were replaced by Skeleton Tower in 2009.
Destruction Island Lighthouse was deactivated in 2008. Semiahmoo Harbor Lighthouse in Blaine was demolished in 1944. Slip Point Lighthouse in Clallam Bay was removed in 2000.
Smith Island Lighthouse on Smith Island was destroyed in 1998. Willapa Bay Lighthouse was demolished in 1938.
As of March 2023, there are now 22 active lighthouses in Washington State.
What is the tallest lighthouse in Washington State?
Grays Harbor Lightouse in Westport is the tallest lighthouse in Washington State at a height of 107 feet tall.
Can you stay in a lighthouse in Washington State?
Did you know that you can stay at a lighthouse? A few lighthouses in Washington State allow you to rent a room (usally the lighthouse keeper’s home).
North Head Lighthouse in Ilwaco, Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville, Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island, Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend, and New Dungeness Lighthouse in Sequim, are all lighthouses that are available to rent.
Learn more about renting out a lighthouse in Washington State.
We hope you take some time to visit these stunning lighthouses in Washington State!
