Name and Location

The Point Wilson Lighthouse, officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Point Wilson Light," marks the entrance to Admiralty Inlet and the eastern approach to Puget Sound. The lighthouse stands on Point Wilson, at the northern tip of the Quimper Peninsula, within sight of Fort Worden State Park. Its address is 200 Battery Way East, Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington 98368, USA.

2. Construction and History

The Point Wilson Lighthouse was established in 1879 to guide vessels through the often-foggy, tidal currents at the entrance to Puget Sound. The original wooden tower and keeper's dwelling were replaced early in the 20th century due to structural settling. The present building retains the octagonal form and historic character. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1981 (Ref. No. 71000870) under criteria A (historical) and C (architectural).

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a white, octagonal tower mounted on a one-story dwelling with a red roof; the lantern room is painted black. The construction materials are likely timber framing over a masonry foundation. The architectural style is utilitarian 19th-century lighthouse design common to U.S. coastlines.

4. Light and Navigation

The characteristic of the light is alternating flashes of red and white every 5 seconds (sequence: 0.7 s flash, 4.3 s eclipse, 0.7 s flash, 4.3 s eclipse). The range is 15 nautical miles. The admiralty number is A 5022; U.S. Light List number LLNR 16475. The seamark designation is "Point Wilson Light." The current operation is fully automated and unmanned.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse tower and keeper's quarters are not open to the public. Best viewed from the shoreline trails of Fort Worden State Park, 1 km to the southwest. No on-site visitor center or facilities at the lighthouse itself; restrooms, parking, and picnic areas are available within Fort Worden.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surroundings offer scenic views across Admiralty Inlet to Whidbey Island and the Cascade Range. Nearby attractions include Fort Worden State Park (former Coast Artillery post) with museums, hiking trails, and shoreline access; Admiralty Head Lighthouse and Museum are located nearby on the same park grounds.

9. Further Information

For further information, please refer to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Wilson_Light; National Register nomination form and archival photos: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75612279; U.S. Coast Guard Light List, Volume VII, Pacific Coast; Jefferson County tourism: www.visitsanjuans.com/point-wilson-lighthouse.