Inside the North Head Lighthouse in Washington

The North Head Lighthouse, located near Ilwaco in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of coastal keepers and maritime history. Built in 1898, it was designed to aid navigation along the notoriously dangerous waters of the Columbia River Bar, known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."

Inside the lighthouse, visitors encounter a narrow, winding iron staircase with 69 steps leading up to the lantern room. The interior is simple yet sturdy, reflecting the functional design of late 19th-century lighthouses. The tower’s brick walls and original cast-iron staircase have been preserved and restored to maintain historical accuracy.

The lantern room at the top once housed a first-order Fresnel lens, which projected a powerful beam out to sea. Today, the original lens has been removed, but a modern beacon continues to operate, maintaining the lighthouse’s role in maritime safety.

Adjacent to the lighthouse, the restored keeper’s quarters and other outbuildings illustrate the isolated, disciplined life of lighthouse keepers. The interior of the North Head Lighthouse is not only an architectural gem but also a tribute to those who ensured safe passage through one of America’s most treacherous coastal regions.