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Cape Mendocino Light

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Cape Mendocino Light

Cape Mendocino Light, Iron lighthouse in Humboldt County, California, US.

Description

Cape Mendocino Light is a 13-meter-tall cast-iron lighthouse featuring a sixteen-sided tower, a balcony, and a lantern room. The white structure with a red roof creates a distinctive appearance visible from across the surrounding area.

History

The lighthouse began operating on December 1, 1868, and sent white flashes to guide ships along the California coast. In 1998, the structure was relocated from its original position on the cape to a new location inland.

Culture

The lighthouse takes its name from the cape where it originally stood, symbolizing the maritime heritage of the California coast. Visitors can understand how this beacon served as a guide for generations of seafarers passing through these waters.

Practical

The lighthouse now stands in Mal Coombs Park at Shelter Cove and is easily accessible on foot. The area offers clear views of the coast and is a good location for exploring the surrounding landscape.

Did you know?

The original first-order Fresnel lens from the lighthouse is displayed at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds, showcasing the advanced navigation equipment of that era. Visitors can see this optical technology that once helped captains navigate safely through coastal waters.

Location
Inception
1868
Height
13 m
Made from material
cast iron
GPS coordinates
40.43990,-124.40600
Latest update
December 11, 2025 18:06

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Humboldt County).

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« Cape Mendocino Light - Iron lighthouse in Humboldt County, California, US » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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