Punta Gorda Light, Coastal lighthouse in Humboldt County, California.
The concrete tower stands 27 feet tall on the northern California coast, featuring a cylindrical structure with a balcony and lantern section.
The lighthouse began operating in 1912 after numerous shipwrecks in the area prompted Congress to allocate funds following a maritime disaster in 1907.
The isolation of Punta Gorda Light Station led to its designation as the Alcatraz of Lighthouses, reflecting the challenging conditions keepers faced at this remote post.
Visitors must complete a six-mile round trip hike across sandy terrain to reach the lighthouse, which now stands alongside its original oil house.
Old Bill, a dedicated Coast Guard horse, served the lighthouse for thirty years, transporting supplies and personnel across difficult terrain until the station closed in 1951.
Location: Humboldt County
GPS coordinates: 40.24939,-124.35021
Latest update: March 3, 2025 04:47
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