Rubicon Point Light, Lighthouse at Rubicon Point, Lake Tahoe, US
Rubicon Point Light is a small wooden lighthouse on the shore of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It sits on a rocky outcrop right at the water's edge and is built in a rustic style using unfinished wood.
The US Coast Guard built this lighthouse in 1916 following requests from the local community for better safety on the lake. At the time, Lake Tahoe was an active route for both commercial and private boats.
Rubicon Point marks one of the most hazardous stretches of Lake Tahoe's shoreline, where rocks sit just below the surface. Boaters still recognize the spot as a key reference when passing this rocky peninsula.
The lighthouse is reached by a hiking trail that starts near a beach area and climbs up via cut-stone steps. The path requires some physical effort and care on the stairs, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The acetylene gas used to power the light was delivered by steamship and then carried overland by pack animals to the site. This supply chain shows just how remote the location was, even in the early 20th century.
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