Lighthouses have a fascinating history, and there’s something about these structures that inspires nostalgia and creativity. The Washington coast is dotted with stunning lighthouses, and this itinerary will take you to some of the best. We recommend allowing as much time as possible for this trip so you can explore the coast. This memorable lighthouse road trip in Washington will showcase 7 of the state’s most picturesque structures. Ready to get started? You can access the customizable Google Map by clicking here.
Google Maps
Start at Alki Point Lighthouse, located at 3200 Point Pl SW in Seattle.
Coast Guard News / Flickr Start your lighthouse road trip in Washington with a stop at Alki Point, which is located on the Alki Peninsula across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle. This particular part of Seattle feels more like a small East Coast beach town than anything in Washington (and it’s amazing). Tours of this iconic lighthouse are often offered during the summertime.
Next up is Browns Point Lighthouse on Tulalip St NE in Tacoma.
Orin Blomberg / Flickr Head south to Tacoma and the majestic Browns Point Lighthouse, situated on the eastern side of the entrance to Commencement Bay. At one time, this location was considered remote, and the point and the hills were covered with timber.
Next, you’ll drive up toward Port Townsend until you reach Marrowstone Island.
PROcmh2315fl / Flickr Marrowstone Island is a hidden retreat, but you won’t need a ferry to access it. Extending from the base of the bluffs on the northeast corner of the island is Marrowstone Point, named by Captain George Vancouver. While the lighthouse itself isn’t much to look at, the island is peaceful and gorgeous with breathtaking views.
When you reach Port Townsend, drive to the Point Wilson Lighthouse on Harbor Defense Way (at Fort Worden State Park).
Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr This lighthouse is an iconic part of Port Townsend, and you’ll get some great photo ops here. Port Townsend is a pretty charming town, and it’s a great place to spend the night.
The next morning, head down Highway 101 and you’ll pass the New Dungeness, Ediz Hook and Slip Point lighthouses before you reach Cape Flattery.
cmh2315fl / Flickr Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, and it’s the northern boundary of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The lighthouse is reached by a short hike, most of which is boardwalked. Built in 1854, Cape Flattery Light was Washington Territory’s third lighthouse.
Next, head south to the beautiful seaside town of Westport.
cmh2315fl / Flickr You’ll find the Grays Harbor Lighthouse on Point Chehalis on the southern side of the entrance to Grays Harbor. Grays Harbor is named after Captain Robert Gray, a Boston fur trader who discovered it in 1792. This is the tallest lighthouse in Washington and the third largest on the West Coast.
Last but not least, drive to Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco.
Xander / Flickr The Cape Disappointment Light, dating back to 1856, is located near the mouth of the Columbia River. The state park, which was named after Captain John Meares’ first thwarted voyage to the Columbia, is rich in local history. You’ll also find the North Head Lighthouse (pictured) here, which was constructed in 1897 after mariners realized the Cape Disappointment Light couldn’t be seen from the ships approaching from the north.
Whether or not you become a lighthouse enthusiast, you’ll enjoy learning so much local history on this lighthouse road trip in Washington. There’s a lot to learn about our beautiful state. Here are a few things you may not know about Washington.
Google Maps
Coast Guard News / Flickr
Start your lighthouse road trip in Washington with a stop at Alki Point, which is located on the Alki Peninsula across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle. This particular part of Seattle feels more like a small East Coast beach town than anything in Washington (and it’s amazing). Tours of this iconic lighthouse are often offered during the summertime.
Orin Blomberg / Flickr
Head south to Tacoma and the majestic Browns Point Lighthouse, situated on the eastern side of the entrance to Commencement Bay. At one time, this location was considered remote, and the point and the hills were covered with timber.
PROcmh2315fl / Flickr
Marrowstone Island is a hidden retreat, but you won’t need a ferry to access it. Extending from the base of the bluffs on the northeast corner of the island is Marrowstone Point, named by Captain George Vancouver. While the lighthouse itself isn’t much to look at, the island is peaceful and gorgeous with breathtaking views.
Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr
This lighthouse is an iconic part of Port Townsend, and you’ll get some great photo ops here. Port Townsend is a pretty charming town, and it’s a great place to spend the night.
cmh2315fl / Flickr
Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, and it’s the northern boundary of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The lighthouse is reached by a short hike, most of which is boardwalked. Built in 1854, Cape Flattery Light was Washington Territory’s third lighthouse.
You’ll find the Grays Harbor Lighthouse on Point Chehalis on the southern side of the entrance to Grays Harbor. Grays Harbor is named after Captain Robert Gray, a Boston fur trader who discovered it in 1792. This is the tallest lighthouse in Washington and the third largest on the West Coast.
Xander / Flickr
The Cape Disappointment Light, dating back to 1856, is located near the mouth of the Columbia River. The state park, which was named after Captain John Meares’ first thwarted voyage to the Columbia, is rich in local history. You’ll also find the North Head Lighthouse (pictured) here, which was constructed in 1897 after mariners realized the Cape Disappointment Light couldn’t be seen from the ships approaching from the north.
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Address: 3201 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USAAddress: Browns Point Lighthouse, Tulalip St NE, Tacoma, WA 98422, USAAddress: Marrowstone Point Lighthouse, Marrowstone Point Dr, Nordland, WA 98358, USAAddress: New Dungeness Lighthouse, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Neah Bay, WA 98357, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lighthouse Road Trip In Washington April 22, 2020 Beth C. What is the most famous lighthouse in Washington? Given its location in the Pacific Northwest, it comes as no surprise that the state of Washington has an abundance of lighthouses. Not only are these structures significant in their history, but they also continue to guide navigation today. Among the most famous lighthouses in Washington is Mukilteo Light Station. Visitors are able to climb to the top of this historic structure and enjoy the unique perspective of a lighthouse keeper from the days of yore. Every September, there’s even a Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, which celebrates the unique history of this important landmark. Are there any other unique road trips to take in Washington? There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery and fascinating attractions of Washington than by fueling up the car and embarking on a good ole fashioned road trip. In fact, there’s an itinerary for just about every kind of explorer. If you consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll want to try out Washington’s national wonders road trip. This adventure showcases the beauty of Mount Rainier, the Columbia Gorge, Palouse Falls, and much more. For those who are mesmerized by waterfalls, the ultimate waterfall road trip in Washington is sure to be a memorable one. What else can I do along the coast in Washington? The coast of Washington offers a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, unique cultural exhibits, noteworthy restaurants, and natural charm. There are so many things to do along the coast of Washington that the options can seem overwhelming at times. A good place to start is a trip to Long Beach. Noted as one of the longest beaches in the U.S. and the second-longest drivable beach in the world, Long Beach is tailor-made for a coastal adventure. Visitors can look forward to exploring sand dunes, state parks, and plenty of wildlife.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lighthouse Road Trip In Washington
April 22, 2020
Beth C.
What is the most famous lighthouse in Washington? Given its location in the Pacific Northwest, it comes as no surprise that the state of Washington has an abundance of lighthouses. Not only are these structures significant in their history, but they also continue to guide navigation today. Among the most famous lighthouses in Washington is Mukilteo Light Station. Visitors are able to climb to the top of this historic structure and enjoy the unique perspective of a lighthouse keeper from the days of yore. Every September, there’s even a Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, which celebrates the unique history of this important landmark. Are there any other unique road trips to take in Washington? There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery and fascinating attractions of Washington than by fueling up the car and embarking on a good ole fashioned road trip. In fact, there’s an itinerary for just about every kind of explorer. If you consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll want to try out Washington’s national wonders road trip. This adventure showcases the beauty of Mount Rainier, the Columbia Gorge, Palouse Falls, and much more. For those who are mesmerized by waterfalls, the ultimate waterfall road trip in Washington is sure to be a memorable one. What else can I do along the coast in Washington? The coast of Washington offers a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, unique cultural exhibits, noteworthy restaurants, and natural charm. There are so many things to do along the coast of Washington that the options can seem overwhelming at times. A good place to start is a trip to Long Beach. Noted as one of the longest beaches in the U.S. and the second-longest drivable beach in the world, Long Beach is tailor-made for a coastal adventure. Visitors can look forward to exploring sand dunes, state parks, and plenty of wildlife.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Given its location in the Pacific Northwest, it comes as no surprise that the state of Washington has an abundance of lighthouses. Not only are these structures significant in their history, but they also continue to guide navigation today. Among the most famous lighthouses in Washington is Mukilteo Light Station. Visitors are able to climb to the top of this historic structure and enjoy the unique perspective of a lighthouse keeper from the days of yore. Every September, there’s even a Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, which celebrates the unique history of this important landmark.
Are there any other unique road trips to take in Washington?
There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery and fascinating attractions of Washington than by fueling up the car and embarking on a good ole fashioned road trip. In fact, there’s an itinerary for just about every kind of explorer. If you consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ll want to try out Washington’s national wonders road trip. This adventure showcases the beauty of Mount Rainier, the Columbia Gorge, Palouse Falls, and much more. For those who are mesmerized by waterfalls, the ultimate waterfall road trip in Washington is sure to be a memorable one.
What else can I do along the coast in Washington?
The coast of Washington offers a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery, unique cultural exhibits, noteworthy restaurants, and natural charm. There are so many things to do along the coast of Washington that the options can seem overwhelming at times. A good place to start is a trip to Long Beach. Noted as one of the longest beaches in the U.S. and the second-longest drivable beach in the world, Long Beach is tailor-made for a coastal adventure. Visitors can look forward to exploring sand dunes, state parks, and plenty of wildlife.
