Point Wilson Lighthouse sits on the extreme corner of Fort Worden State Park, sitting far out in the water, with Whidbey Island across the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
The Point Wilson Light is an active aid to navigation located in Fort Worden State Park near Port Townsend, in Jefferson County, Washington State. Point Wilson is at the end of the Quimper Peninsula, a northeast extension of the Olympic Peninsula, and the northeasternmost point. It is one of the most important navigational aids in the state, overlooking the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, the waterway connecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. Admiralty Inlet is the path the Wa State Ferry crosses from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend.
In 2019, the Coast Guard leased Point Wilson Lighthouse to the U.S. Lighthouse Society, which already operates the nearby Point No Point Lighthouse and New Dungeness Lighthouse (in Sequim). This will hopefully lead to the lighthouse being restored/preserved, as being on the salt water has left a deep toll on the metal.
To reach it, enter Fort Worden State Park, drive through the historic housing of the fort, and take a left to drop down to the beach. Pass the RV campground, and continue on to the end of road, where the lighthouse sits. There is ample parking and a turn around loop at the end. Park and head towards the lighthouse. The way through the park is well marked, and the light house is visible from above.
The lighthouse keepers home is visible first. It was originally the lighthouse, but the top was removed when the newer lighthouse was created in 1913. The view of Mount Baker is amazing from here.
The trail wanders across sand and beach grass, following the fence along the buildings.
The lighthouse. With the Central and North Cascade Mountains visible across the water.
The trail passes by the lighthouse, with the retaining wall to your left, that keeps the waves from swallowing up the buildings.
Look across the water to Whidbey Island, with Ebey’s Landing and Fort Casey easy to spot. Watch for the ferry crossing. Look to the far right and you might see Mount Rainier pale and ghostly, rising above as well.
The paths wander around the buildings and out into the beach grass. Follow what paths you want, out to the very rocky beach if one desires. Make loops. Eventually complete the loop by making your way back to the parking lot.
An easy to reach piece of history, educational for children, with great beach access. See here for some great history on shipwrecks, growing food in WWI and more.
Washington State Discovery Pass required. Dogs must be on leash here. Fort Worden is a very, very popular state park on weekends, especially in warmer months, so midweek visits can be good.
~Sarah