description North Head Light Overview
North Head Light is an 1898 Washington lighthouse near Ilwaco, designed by Carl Leick after Cape Disappointment Light was obscured from the north.
help North Head Light FAQ
Where is the North Head Light located?
The North Head Light is an active lighthouse located near Ilwaco on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State. It sits inside Fort Canby State Park, situated on a rocky headland where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
When was the North Head Lighthouse built?
Construction of the North Head Light was completed in 1898 to safely guide ships approaching the Pacific Northwest from the north. It was designed by architect Carl Leick after it became clear that the existing Cape Disappointment Light was obscured by the high headland.
Can the public tour the North Head Light?
Yes, the lighthouse was restored in the mid-2010s and is currently open for public tours seasonally. Visitors can climb the 69-step spiral staircase to the lantern room, which provides sweeping views of the rugged Washington coastline.
Is the North Head Light still operational today?
Yes, the North Head Light remains an active aid to navigation managed by Washington State Parks and the US Coast Guard. Although the original Fresnel lens is still present, the light is now completely automated and powered by modern electric lamps.
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