North Head Lighthouse — Attraction in Long Beach

I have visited the Northhead Lighthouse since the late 1950s. It is my favorite lighthouse of the ones I have been to. The views are spectacular and the history is intriguing. The walk on the paved trail to the lighthouse from the parking lot is easy and wheel chair accessible. A smooth walk down with beautiful coastal pines, Douglas firs and several desiduous trees. Plus laurels, and other schrubs, giving way to peek-a-boo views of the Pacific Ocean before the lighthouse even comes into view. And when it does come into view, it's majestic. Standing bravely before the coastal winds and firmly above the cliffs, it stands as a sentinal and a warning to ships passing along the horizon. In the past, there were many WW2 bunkers also on the same cliffs as the Northhead lighthouse. (Used to protect our coastline in case of invasion.) At one time they were still accessible, but severe weather beaten rocks and soil and erosive unsafe conditions has made them now inaccessible. But the star of the show is the Northhead Lighthouse! You can not help but be impressed at it's height of 65 feet (19.8 meters.) I loved it when she had her cupola or lantern room painted red. But it is now black, and I don't think that will change in my lifetime. You can walk all the way around the base of the lighthouse with views of the ocean as well as the beaches on either side and the lush woodsy hillsides behind her. If you are lucky, you will see deer roaming the animal trails along the hillside. And if you are luckier still, you can actually go up inside the lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase to the lens room and hear a little local history about the lighthouse and the area from a volunteer docent/guide! A small donation is requested, as it helps to pay for the upkeep and maintainance of this wonderful historic lighthouse. There is a steeper trail to the north of the lighthouse that is not paved, with a steep concrete set of steps leading up the hill to the Lighthouse Keepers house and the Gift Shop. The Gift shop is also accessible easily from the parking lot. The same parking lot also has access to Belle's View trail to a viewing platform, also with great views of the ocean and southwest washington's peninsula coastline. A must...

We had a wonderful time hiking around, and I took my older boys up for a tour. The volunteer answered my boys’ many questions, and he was very knowledgeable. The history of the actual light was so interesting. We had a poor experience in the gift shop. I went in to let each of my boys choose a Christmas ornament and/or a sticker. One of my 8 year olds showed me what he thought was a sticker. The shopkeeper sounded irritated when she corrected him that it was a book marker. I ignored her tone and said “Oh! Well we also love book-markers!” My 4 year old, who was between my knees looking at lower ornaments while I was deciding on one for myself on the top of the merchandising display accidentally knocked an ornament to the floor with his fingertip, and the shopkeeper immediately told me how much I’ll be paying for the broken ornament after declaring “Welp I guess you’ll be buying that!” Of course I would pay for it, but didn’t have the chance to even say it or say an apology. My 4 year old was upset, and I was taking that moment to tell him to head outside. She then told my 8 year old to put the ornament he had in his hand back. He was bringing it to me to show me. After going in to buy 4 or 5 ornaments, I chose to only buy the broken ornament. After I paid for the broken ornament she gave me a condescending “thank you!” She was unnecessarily rude and uninterested in our business. She thought my children shopping was me not “managing them.” I did express my disbelief of our treatment by her. She said she wouldn’t argue with me. I wasn’t trying to argue. I was stunned! My kids were on their best behavior, and were having fun trying to find their special take away. Other than that we had a great time, loved the trails, lighthouse, and volunteers. We will definitely be back, but will forgo shopping in...

Yes! It is worth it! Get out here and marvel at this view, this lifesaving lighthouse! Now the nitty gritty: It is easy to get here, though at busy times not so easy to find a parking spot. Be persistent, patient. Some folks arrive, take pics and leave quickly, so just circle back. Now that you've parked, grab your gear as needed for the season. In cold times you'll want a hat to cover your ears. Consider a good windbreaker/coat and scarf, sturdy shoes and long pants. On warm and sunny days, oh you'll want a hat all right, one with sun protection and a string to keep the wind from whisking it off your head! Now if you only want to accept one piece of advice, this next thing is it: Wear bug repellent!! Wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Do not wear flip-flops. Why? Because there is no end to the flies, wasps, bees, ticks, stinging ants, etc. etc. We saw so many people in absolute misery over bites and stings, we couldn't believe it. Also, while the path to the lighthouse is paved, it is extremely narrow and you will have to step into the plants off the path in order to let someone by. And! No flip-flops or other non-sturdy footwear are permitted on the lighthouse tour. Please note, the tour is cash only, $3 per adult over 17 years old. So pack a couple actual greenbacks along with your sneakers, loafers or hiking boots. And enjoy taking the stairs up to the top, learning about the Fresnel lens on the lighthouse, and so much more. You can absorb it all in comfort because you remembered the...