New Dungeness Light, Brick lighthouse at Dungeness Spit, Washington, United States.
New Dungeness Light is a brick lighthouse with white and black markings that stands at the tip of Dungeness Spit, extending into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The tower, reaching about 63 feet (19 meters) in height, marks the outermost point of this natural sand formation and serves as a navigation aid for passing vessels.
The lighthouse was built in 1857 following architect Ammi B. Young's design and originally stood much taller. In 1927, structural issues led to the tower being reduced to its present height of 19 meters.
The lighthouse takes its name from Dungeness Spit, a natural formation shaped by deposits from the Dungeness River. Today, local volunteers care for the station and share its maritime heritage with visitors who make the journey.
The site is accessible by hiking across Dungeness Spit, which requires stamina and proper preparation before attempting the walk. Boat access is also available during warmer months, offering an alternative for those who prefer not to walk the full distance.
The lighthouse stands on one of the longest natural sand spits in North America, a formation that continues to shift slowly through natural river processes. This makes it a rare place where visitors can observe how landscapes shape themselves over time.
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