Washington State has many lighthouses guiding ships along treacherous shores–some historic and some still functioning. Let these YouTube videos whisk you away to these idyllic and secluded structures.
(Listed roughly north to south)
Video tour of 3 San Juan lighthouses
This video gives a brief tour of several lighthouses in the San Juan archipelago: Patos Island lighthouse (closed to visitors in 2020), Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island (grounds only open to visitors), and Cattle point lighthouse (grounds only open to visitors) at the southern tip of San Juan Island. The lands around the lighthouses are managed by the Oregon-Washington Bureau of Land Management. The landscapes in these areas has unique formations and habitats not found elsewhere, including rare plant species, animals, and butterflies.
Video tour of Burrows Island Light Station near Anacortes, Washington
This video shows the oldest virtually intact lighthouse in Washington. The lighthouse has a boathouse, keepers quarters, helicopter pad, and more. Featuring stunning views of the Puget Sound, this area is full of history and beauty. Currently closed to visitors it is being restored by volunteers for future generations to enjoy.
Video tour of Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island, Washington
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey State Park is in an idyllic location. With forest on one side, wide-open fields on another, and the water out front. This video shows the lighthouse and surrounding State Park which stands on the site of a 100+-year-old military training and protection facility. The Lighthouse is closed for renovations until at least August 2020 but the park is open to visitors.
Video tour of Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey
This video gives a more in-depth look at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. It shows the inside of the lighthouse including some of the former lenses used on the lighthouse. We’re also introduced to volunteers and staff who share the history of Fort Casey and the lighthouse as well as information about the geography of the region. The Lighthouse is closed for renovations until at least August 2020 but the park is open to visitors.
Video tour of Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island
In this video, we get a chance to see the Point Robinson Lighthouse. The lighthouse has expansive beaches that are part of a marine conservancy. The halfway point between Seattle and Tacoma, visitors can see Mount Rainier, Tacoma, and the East Passage from here. Tours are held on Sunday in the summer and can be scheduled during the offseason as well.
Video tour of Browns Point Lighthouse in Tacoma
This video shows Browns Point Lighthouse and the surrounding neighborhood in Tacoma. The lighthouse itself sits upon a profound point in the land with rocky beach on one side and sandy beaches on the other. On-site is a museum, keeper’s cottage, picnic area, and walking trails. As of July 2020 tours may be available by calling.
Video tour of Browns Point Lighthouse Beach in Tacoma
A brief video tour of the stunning beach near Browns Point Lighthouse. Features a brief history of the lighthouse and more visitor’s information. The beach is a popular summer destination for lighthouse and beach fans alike.
Video tour of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse at Grays Harbor, WA
This video shows us the inside and outside of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Surrounded by rough, rocky cliffs, this unrestored lighthouse from 1898 is crucial for boat safety in the area. In fact, so many boats wrecked in this area that a second lighthouse was needed. On a clear day, visitors can see the Oregon coast. As of July 2020, the lighthouse is closed to visitors.
Video tour of Grays Harbor Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment)
Stunning aerial drone footage of the tallest lighthouse in Washington. Standing 107 feet tall, it’s also the third tallest on the West Coast. The Keeper on duty was able to feel the lighthouse moving from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake! This is an important part of Washington’s history and coastal landscape. As of July 2020, the lighthouse is open to visitors.
When you can get away, check out these Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free.
