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.

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.

Adventures Across the Western USA

And thus concludes another road trip. 

From snow-covered mountain top resort towns to a reunion in Vegas to winding remote passes and an alien Trump on the outskirts of Area 51 ... this latest round of travel shoots covered over 7000 km through Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington.

 

I was light on the sneak peeks this time largely due to a lack of downtime, but I can assure you there will be a lot of highlights ahead. As always, I appreciated the recommendations and concerns over the last few weeks. Everything was totally fine - albeit a lot quieter than usual. 

Stay tuned for new previews soon. 

It's good to be home.