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Lighthouses in Washington State

© Jerri Brooker

Washington has its share of picturesque lighthouses, with all the water around and inside state borders. They're favorite tourist destinations, from little-known to well-visited. Since 1856 when the first was built to aid mariners to the coast of Washington they have proudly stood representing the seafaring life in our state.

This delightful site is full of lighthouse photos and information. It pictures and lists 20 (soon 21) lighthouses visited by the writers. From Alki Point Lighthouse, which is a little tough to find in Seattle, to Patos Island Lighthouse in Patos, WA - the views are great. Since I have not heard of Patos Island or some of the others join me as we learn together. Do take a look for yourself, though - you'll enjoy the photos.

Patos Island is across from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Built in 1908, it was the site of an out-of-print book by Helene Glidden, The Light on the Island. The book is full of tales, including a visit by then President Roosevelt. Since it's out of print a good library hunt for this book might be worth the effort. The lighthouse is a bright white with a red roof, quite full of character.

I'm very familiar with the New Dungeness Lighthouse near Sequim at the Dungeness Recreation area. Though I have not stayed in it, it's available for rent (there's a two-year waiting list), as are others in our state. A beautiful hike on Dungeness Spit takes you there, six miles round trip. If you rent it, there are rules to be followed as you join a lighthouse society and assume the roll of temporary lighthouse keeper.

I just read about the Brown's Point Lighthouse getting its light back after many years. The lighthouse, located on Brown's Point, and its diminutive architecture (31-foot high square tower) has served its purpose since it was built in 1933 (though the original structure existed in 1903). There's been a lot of controversy in this small community; present renters do not want to move out and the community wants to restore the lighthouse keeper's cottage and rent it out.

On June 26, Tacoma Metro Parks voted to restore and rent the cottage out. The present owners must move by September first. The Points Northeast Historical Society will be involved, and the site will run similar to the Dungeness lighthouse keeper program.

I'm quite intrigued with the North Head Lighthouse in Ilwaco's Fort Canby State Park. It's really a beautiful lighthouse high atop a craggy, steep cliff. To view it up close you must hike uphill. The State offers tours - reserve a tour ahead with the campground staff.

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