Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend, WA, is a captivating destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. This historic lighthouse, built in 1914, offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region while providing stunning views of the surrounding area. One of the standout features of Point Wilson Lighthouse is its picturesque location. Situated at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors often enjoy walking along the beach at low tide, exploring the tide pools, and taking in the serene beauty of the area. The lighthouse itself is well-preserved and maintained by the U.S. Lighthouse Society, which offers tours on weekends. The volunteer docents are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the history and operation of the lighthouse. The tours are free, but donations are welcome, making it an accessible and educational experience for all. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely day out. The nearby Fort Worden State Park offers additional recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, and exploring historic military structures. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Point Wilson Lighthouse a unique and memorable destination. Overall, Point Wilson Lighthouse is a must-visit for anyone in the Port Townsend area. With its rich history, stunning views, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this lighthouse has garnered such positive reviews...
Read moreYou can spend the night here in the historical lighthouse keepers’ house duplex! If you love lighthouses and want an amazing bucket list experience, treat yourself to a stay here. My husband and I stayed 3 nights and it was magical. Lighthouse Keeper, Mel, has thoughtfully procured and decorated this beautiful house with a whimsical beach and lighthouse theme. Everything was spotlessly clean, in wonderful condition, and Mel’s special touches like a bottle of wine and locally roasted coffee made us feel so welcome. Oh and the bed was a heavenly comfortable memory foam one. We would sit on the back porch and have breakfast with the lighthouse directly in front of us. We took long strolls on the beach right outside enjoying the tides and sunsets. One thing we really loved compared to other lighthouses we have stayed at is the fact that the keepers’ house area is fenced off from the general public. This made for a very private, exclusive stay. There is either a view of the lighthouse or the water from every single window upstairs and down. We would go to sleep watching the lighthouse lit up at night outside of our bedroom windows at the foot of our bed. For information about this rental just click on the “website” tab and then the “vacation...
Read moreEven if you can’t go up the very narrow stairs to see the top, it’s still worth going in and having a look at the artifacts on the ground floor and talking with the volunteers about the lighthouse. The docents were super helpful, and I appreciated how they seemed so passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the lighthouse as well as local history.
The stairs are really narrow, so only one person/party is allowed up at a time. They have cubbies to store your stuff behind the stairs because you can’t bring it up with you due to lack of space. There is usually a docent there, so you don’t have to worry about someone walking off with your things, but if it really concerns you, I suggest leaving your bag in your car.
At the very top, it is a ladder you climb and stand on (you don’t actually walk around or anything). Also, it’s worth knowing that there’s a docent at the top, too, so don’t be alarmed when you pop your head up like a mole and see someone there.
There is no way to get to the top without the stairs, but if you’re unable to go up the stairs, it’s still worth visiting because there are a lot of cool maps and artifacts in the museum on the first floor. There is also a gift shop on the first...
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