No matter where along the Washington coastline you are, there is a lighthouse with a fascinating history nearby.
Whether you climb the stairs, walk the grounds, or stay in the lighthouse keeper’s room, take time to take in the beauty of the stunning and historic Washington lighthouses along with the lovely views they provide every visitor.
Your explorations will take you to beacons that are 30 to over 100 feet in the air, across short and long hikes, to both convenient and out of the way destinations, but no matter what, each ligthouse is sure to be one of Washington’s most scenic sites.
As you visit the lighthouses in Washington State, imagine the dangers that would have lurked as sailors sailed the waters before the lighthouses existed.
Of the 28 Washington lighthouses standing today, we have picked out the best 15 to visit!
Find out where the location of the lighthouses, when and how you can visit, along with how you can spend the night being a lighthouse keeper or just renting the keeper’s house for a night!
Best Pacific Coast Washington Lighthouses (From North to South)
Cape Flattery
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Address: Neah Bay, WA 98357
Even though you are not able to visit the interior of this 65-foot tall lighthouse, you can take the 0.75-mile hike to view it.
A hike on the isolated Cape Flattery Trail outside Neah Bay is a must to visit this lighthouse on the Makah Indian Reservation.
Once you reach the cape, there are several observation platforms to view the historic lighthouse, Tatoosh Island, and the surrounding rugged rocks of the beautiful Washington coastline.
Before visiting, purchase a Makah Recreation Pass at the Makah Tribal Museum, Hobuck Beach Resort, Makah Marina, or the Washburn Grocery.
Grays Harbor Lighthouse
Address: 1020 W Ocean Ave, Westport WA 98595
For those wanting to see the 360-degree view from the top of Washington’s tallest lighthouse, take the 135 steps to the 107-foot Grays Harbor Lighthouse lantern room.
From the top, Mount Rainier is visible along with a remarkable scenic display of the ocean and the surrounding area.
The area is dog-friendly, and there is a pet waiting area near the lighthouse.
Tour Schedule:
- June – August from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- June – August Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with reservations.
- September
- Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday, Sunday, and Monday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- October and November
- Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday and Thursday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM with reservations only
- February through May
- Thursday through Monday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
North Head Lighthouse
Address: N Head Lighthouse Rd, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Within Cape Disappointment State Park, you’ll find both some of the best beaches in Washington state, and North Head Lighthouse. Walk the 0.6-mile North Head Lighthouse Loop Trail to the West Coast’s windiest lighthouse!
The view from the top of the 66-foot lighthouse is also a great place to watch the Gray Whales migrate south in January and north in May.
The lighthouse grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk, and lighthouse tours are $2.50 a person. The North Head Lighthouse Keepers also have a gift shop and museum on the grounds.
Note that children must be at least 7 years old to climb the lighthouse. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed on the lighthouse steps. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and lighthouse grounds.
Want to stay the night? Lodging is available at both the Cape Disappointment State Park campground and the lighthouse keeper’s cottage!
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Address: Ilwaco, WA 98624
The 53-foot circular brick tower stands at the entrance to the Columbia River, where it was of little use due to the noisy surf.
To see this lighthouse, drive to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center within Cape Disappointment State Park. Here there is plenty of parking and a good view of the lighthouse.
For those who wish a closer inspection of the lighthouse, walk up the bluff 1.5 miles along the Cape Disappointment Trail, which begins at the parking lot. You can also view the lighthouse from the campgrounds nearby, which is a great place to camp in Washington State.
For those wishing to extend their visit, there are three Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages that are rentals, which you can learn about booking here. Each cottage accommodates six people.
The Cape Disappointment State Park Campground has 220 sites that included everything from full hookup to primitive campsites. You can reserve your campgrounds here.
Please note that a Discovery Pass is required to enter the park!
Best Puget Sound Lighthouses (From North to South)
Patos Island Lighthouse
Address: Patos Island, WA
At Alden Point, the Patos Island Lighthouse sits on the northwest corner overlooking the Strait of Georgia. It is only visitable in the summer: specifically, May through Labor Day.
The Patos Island Marine State Park is only accessible by boat. There are two mooring buoys offshore, and the Patos Water Taxi services the island.
During the summer, volunteers are at the lighthouse daily and can explain some of the site’s history to you.
Lime Kiln Lighthouse
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
On San Juan Island’s western side is where you will find the 38-foot Lime Kiln Lighthouse’s octagonal tower at the entrance to Haro Strait.
Take the 0.6-mile Lime Kiln Lighthouse Loop Hiking Trail to the lighthouse and rock. While here, enjoy the views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and the Olympic Mountain range as you relax at one of the picnic tables. It is also the perfect location to watch a beautiful sunset.
The Haro Strait is one of the best for watching the orcas, so keep your eyes open (and maybe bring a pair of binoculars).
The grounds are open year-round for a self-guided tour around the lighthouse. The Interpretive Center is open from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September and provides guided tours.
A Discover Pass or boat launch permit is required to visit Lime Kiln State Park.
New Dungeness Lighthouse
Address: Sequim, WA 98382
Along the Olympic Peninsula in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge sits the New Dungeness Lighthouse on the tip of the Dungeness Spit.
It was the first U. S. lighthouse on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Once you reach the 63-foot tall lighthouse, climb the 74 steps to the lantern room where you can enjoy the beautiful sights of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Spit, and the Refuge around you.
Free guided tours of the lighthouse and museum are provided daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
At the lighthouse, you will find restrooms, picnic tables, and fountains for your convenience.
You can reach the lighthouse in the following ways:
- Boat – Land at the Dungeness Spit landing area south of the lighthouse after contacting the Refuge office.
- Water limousine will take you to the landing area.
- Kayak tours and kayak rentals
- Hike – Walk 5 miles from the Dungeness Spit Refuge parking lot. There is a Refuge permit fee of $3 for four adults due at the Kiosk.
- This strenuous trip should only be taken at low tide (check the tide chart at the Kiosk). Plan on at least 5-hours for this adventure. That allows you time to hike in and out and enjoy the lighthouse for a time.
Alternately, you can become a lighthouse keeper for a week and stay in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage! During the day, you will provide guided museum and tower tours from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Learn more about the program here.
Point Wilson Lighthouse
Address: 200 Battery Way E, Port Townsend, WA 98368
The 46-foot tall Point Wilson Lighthouse in Fort Worden State Park near Port Townsend, WA is one of 19 U.S. lighthouses standing in Puget Sound. With its prime location, it may be the most important as it overlooks ships entering the Admiralty Inlet.
The lighthouse offers visitors an unbelievable view of Whidbey Island, with the backdrop being the North Cascade Mountains.
Tours run from May through September from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and the park is open daily.
For those who wish to extend their stay, you can spend a 2-night minimum stay along the shores of Fort Worden State Park in the 4-bedroom Point Wilson Lighthouse Vacation Rental.
You can also stay in Alexander’s Castle in Fort Worden for a different kind of historic-feeling experience!
A Washington State Discover Pass is needed to enter Fort Worden State Park.
Admiralty Head Lighthouse
Address: Fort Casey State Park, 1280 Engle Road, Coupeville, Washington 98239
Since 1861, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse has sat on the 80-foot bluff along the southwest corner of the Fort Casey State Park overlooking Admiralty Inlet.
From its tower, take in remarkable views of the Olympic Mountains, watch the Port Townsend ferry crossing, and check out other marine activity throughout the Puget Sound.
Visiting Hours:
- June, July, and August daily from 11 AM to 5 PM
- March-May and September – December – weekends
- Closed January – February
- Visit the Fort Casey website for additional hours
Note: A Washington State Discover Pass is needed to enter the park.
Mukilteo Lighthouse
Address: 608 Front St, Mukilteo, WA 98275
The fully operational 38-foot Mukilteo Lighthouse guides boats through the Salish Sea from its location on the west side of Mukilteo.
The grounds are open for visitors year-round.
From April through September, both the lighthouse tower, gift shop, and interpretive center are open each weekend and holidays from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
Each September, the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival Association holds the three-day Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival filled with activities, music, and food — so try to time your visit to this scenic Washington lighthouse then!
Point No Point Lighthouse
Address: 9009 Point No Point Rd NE, Hansville WA 98340
A visit to the 3-acre Point No Point County Park means touring the historic lighthouse, relaxing on the sandy beach, and enjoy a picnic along the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula.
This fully automated lighthouse is the oldest in the Puget Sound where it provides beautiful panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Baker, and a variety of islands in the Puget Sound area.
The Lighthouse Society provides tours April through September from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM each weekend.
If you want to stay longer, you can stay at the historic keeper’s quarters at Point No Point and be a volunteer lighthouse keeper. Learn more about the program here.
West Point Lighthouse (Discovery Park Lighthouse)
Address: Discovery Park, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA
At the end of a sandy point in Puget Sound, you will find the 23-foot tall West Point Lighthouse.
There are a variety of ways to get to the lighthouse from the Visitor Center.
- Walk the 2.2-mile trail from the Discovery Park Visitor Center. This trail has an elevation change of 314 feet and can be somewhat strenuous for some.
- Take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the lighthouse.
- Those with a disability or families with small children can request a parking permit that allows you to drive to the lighthouse.
Once at the lighthouse, you will enjoy the Puget Sound views. Take time to watch the boat traffic, sit on the rocks, or walk along the sandy beach. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, whereas the Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Alki Point Lighthouse
Address: 3201 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
From the fully automated Alki Point Lighthouse near Alki Beach in West Seattle, view the southern entrance of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the West Point Lighthouse off in the distance.
On Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the lighthouse grounds and tower are open for tours from 1-4 PM. Admission is free.
Please note that pets are not allowed on the grounds.
Point Robinson Lighthouse
Address: 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd, Vashon, WA 98070
Along the eastern shore of Maury Island, the 38-foot-tall Point Robinson Lighthouse overlooks the East Passage.
After taking one of a variety of walking trails at Point Robinson, enjoy the scenic view of Mount Rainier, Tacoma, and the scenic shoreline of the East Passage.
With the lighthouse in the background, a picnic at one of the tables along the shore is a must. This beautiful lighthouse in Washington is able to be toured on Sundays from mid-May through mid-September. You can find more information on tours on their website.
For those who wish to extend their stay, the two Keepers’ Quarters are available for rental — learn more here. They are either two or three bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 guests.
Browns Point Lighthouse
Address: 201 Tulalip St NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
At the tip of the historic Browns Point, you can’t miss the Browns Point Lighthouse. Be sure to take time to visit the Light Keeper’s Cottage, History Center, and Boathouse.
From May until October from 1 PM to 4 PM, Points Northeast Historical Society provides free guided tours of the lightkeeper’s cottage and other structures.
The park is dog-friendly and open between sunrise and sunset. Do note that If you are visiting in the afternoon, you should park outside the gates since the parking lot gates lock at 4 PM.
Throughout the park, there are plenty of picnic tables to watch the boat traffic heading to and from Tacoma, along with a view of Vashon Island and Rustic Way.
For those looking for lodging, up to six people can stay at the 3-bedroom Light Keeper’s Cottage and become Honorary Lightkeepers for a week. Learn more here.