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Seattle, Washington / Landmarks

West Point Lighthouse

A historic beacon guarding the northern entrance of Elliott Bay, this 23-foot tower is a serene landmark nestled within the wild landscapes of Discovery Park.

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West Point Lighthouse
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Where is the West Point Lighthouse located?

The West Point Lighthouse is located at 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, Washington 98199, situated on a low sandy point at the northern entrance of Elliott Bay within Discovery Park.

What are the hours for visiting?

The lighthouse is located in Discovery Park, which is open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How can I get to the lighthouse?

Visitors can reach the lighthouse via the North Beach Trail or view it from the South Beach Trail. Access by boat is restricted to those arriving by water only.

What is the history of the West Point Lighthouse?

Built in 1881, the lighthouse began operation on November 15 of that year using a fourth-order Fresnel lens. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and was the last station in Washington to be automated, which occurred in 1985.

What is it known for?

It is one of 18 active lighthouses in Washington State and serves as a beacon for Elliott Bay. It is also notable for a foghorn that mariners can activate via radio channel 81A for 30 minutes.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The West Point Lighthouse stands as a stately sentinel on a low sandy point at the northern entrance of Elliott Bay. Built in 1881, the 23-foot-high tower began its operation on November 15 of that year, utilizing a fourth-order Fresnel lens to guide mariners through some of the busiest vessel traffic in Washington waters. The site was originally named West Point in 1841 by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes during his Exploring Expedition through Puget Sound. Funding for the station evolved over time; Congress first appropriated money for a fog signal on June 14, 1880, before a subsequent act in 1881 extended that funding to include the lighthouse. Construction officially commenced on July 6, 1881, after the government purchased six acres of land from John Leary. The station remained manned for over a century until 1985, when it became the final lighthouse station in Washington to be automated. Recognized for its historical importance, the West Point Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Ownership transitioned to the City of Seattle in 2004, with the city obtaining the deed in 2006. To preserve the site, a $600,000 restoration project took place between 2009 and 2011, which involved stripping lead paint from the exterior and refurbishing the keeper's dwellings. Today, the lighthouse remains one of the 18 active beacons in Washington State. Visitors can reach the site via the North Beach Trail or view the tower from the South Beach Trail. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, where the lighthouse serves as a backdrop for sightings of river otters, sea lions, and harbor seals.

Visitor tips

  • Follow the North Beach Trail to reach the lighthouse directly.
  • Visit between 4:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. to align with Discovery Park's operating hours.
  • Keep an eye out for harbor seals and sea lions along the south and north beaches.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes as the trails can be sandy or uneven.

Nearby context

The lighthouse is the crown jewel of Discovery Park, situated at the tip of the peninsula. It is accessible via a network of trails, including the Loop Trail and the South Beach Trail, which connect the maritime landmark to the park's inland meadows and forests.

Sources

Evidence and links