Cape Flattery Light

Cape Flattery Light is a white brick lighthouse on an island off Washington's coast, featuring a black lantern room topped with a red roof. The tower rises roughly 65 feet and sits about 165 feet above the water, making it a key reference point for vessels navigating this area.

Construction started in 1854 following designs by Ammi B. Young, and the light first shone in 1857, making it the third lighthouse in Washington Territory. The structure has served as a navigation aid for vessels entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca since its completion.

The lighthouse sits on Tatoosh Island, named after a Makah tribal leader, within the Makah Indian Reservation. The location reflects how maritime navigation and indigenous land have coexisted in this region.

The lighthouse is closed to visitors but can be viewed from Cape Flattery through a roughly half-hour walk that requires a permit. The trail crosses coastal terrain with changing conditions, so sturdy footwear and weather preparation are important.

This lighthouse holds the distinction of being the northwesternmost lighthouse on the West Coast of the contiguous United States, marking an extreme geographic point. Its position at one of the country's westernmost locations makes it a notable milestone for vessels navigating these waters.

Location: Clallam County

Inception: 1854

Made from material: brick

GPS coordinates: 48.39170,-124.73660

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06