Point Adams Light, Historical lighthouse at Columbia River entrance, Oregon, United States
Point Adams Light was a wooden lighthouse at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The structure stood about 50 feet tall and was equipped with a special Fresnel lens to project its light far across the water.
The lighthouse began operating in 1875 to help ships navigate the dangerous entrance to the Columbia River. After two decades of service, the structure was intentionally torn down in 1912 by the Lighthouse Service.
The lighthouse was part of a navigation system that helped ships safely enter the Columbia River. Two towers worked together to give captains reliable guidance through the challenging waters.
The lighthouse signal was adjusted from alternating to fixed red flashes to prevent confusion with a neighboring tower. The location at the river mouth made the structure vulnerable to sand buildup during rough weather.
The keepers faced an unusual challenge: sand constantly accumulated at the base of the structure and required regular attention. This ongoing battle against nature was one of the biggest hardships of working at this remote location.
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