Olympic Park History & Museums: Point Wilson Lighthouse in Washington

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Point Wilson Lighthouse

Situated two miles northwest of historic Port Townsend in Fort Worden State Park, Point Wilson Lighthouse was built in 1914. Its 49-foot tower is the tallest on Puget Sound.

What can I see and do at Point Wilson Lighthouse?

If you like lighthouses, this one is a classic Northwestern model! Important because it connects Puget Sound with the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Point Wilson Lighthouse sits at the location where the strait turns into the Admiralty Inlet and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re visiting Fort Worden State Park, which – in itself – is an interesting destination, you’ll want to at least stop to take a few pictures of the lighthouse which, unfortunately, has seen better days as high winds and water have pummeled it over the years, sometimes flooding it due to its low-lying location. Nonetheless, volunteers from the Coast Guard Auxiliary continue to administer to it and conduct tours during certain times of the year.

In case you see a weird apparition while visiting, there are ghost hunters who insist that Point Wilson Lighthouse is haunted. Wives of former keepers reported seeing a woman in a long gown inside the structure and wandering the grounds around it. Most modern visitors, however, have not spotted her.

Where is Point Wilson Lighthouse?

Take Highway 101 to Washington Route 20 and follow it for 8 miles until you reach Port Townsend. Turn left on Kearney Street and at its end turn right onto Blaine Street. Next, turn left onto Walker Street, which will become Cherry Street. Follow Cherry Street 1.6 miles to Fort Worden where the road changes to Fort Worden Way. Enter Fort Worden and turn right on Eisenhower Avenue. When Eisenhower Avenue ends, turn left on Harbor Defense Way and follow it 0.8 miles to the lighthouse.

When is Point Wilson Lighthouse open?

The lighthouse is open for tours on Saturdays in May through September from 1 to 4 pm or by special request.

How much does the Point Wilson Lighthouse cost?

Tours are free but donations are appreciated.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

No phone number is available but you can email dfrazeur@olypen.com for more information.