North Head Lighthouse on the Washington Coast

The North Head Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque beacon located near Ilwaco, Washington, within Cape Disappointment State Park. Overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, it stands on a high cliff, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby Columbia River Bar, a treacherous maritime area nicknamed the "Graveyard of the Pacific" due to its history of shipwrecks.

Constructed in 1898, the North Head Lighthouse was built to complement the nearby Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which could not adequately warn ships approaching from the north. The new lighthouse provided critical guidance to vessels navigating the hazardous waters at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The lighthouse tower itself stands 65 feet tall and is made of brick with a white stucco finish. Inside, a spiral cast-iron staircase leads up to the lantern room, which originally housed a powerful first-order Fresnel lens. Although the original lens has been replaced with a modern beacon, the lighthouse continues to function as an aid to navigation.

Surrounding the lighthouse are historic structures, including the keeper’s quarters, oil houses, and storage buildings, offering a glimpse into the daily life of lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked in isolation to ensure maritime safety.

Today, the North Head Lighthouse is open to the public and has undergone careful restoration. Visitors can climb the tower, enjoy panoramic coastal views, and learn about the region's maritime history. The location is especially popular for photography, whale watching, and experiencing the powerful natural beauty of the Washington coast.

As one of the windiest places in the United States, North Head is not only a working lighthouse but also a symbol of resilience and guidance, standing watch over some of the most dangerous waters in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.