Washington Lights | Gray's Harbor Lighthouse

Gray's Harbor Lighthouse • Westport, WA

I visited Gray's Harbor light in August 1999. To my disappointment, it was not open to the public at that time. The lighthouse is in a wooded area about a quarter mile from the shore, and only the top of it can be seen from the beach. Drapes had been hung in the lantern room, making this an unattractive subject for a photographer. The lighthouse appeared to be in need of maintenance.

• H I S T O R Y •

The United States Lighthouse Service decided in 1885 to build a lighthouse over Gray's Harbor. Originally designated for Point Brown, local opposition caused the Lighthouse Service to instead select Point Chehalis, on the southern entrance of the harbor. The project was delayed for several years due to the site selection, and was finally completed in 1898. Because of the low elevation the light required an inordinately tall tower; the 107-foot beacon is still the tallest in Washington state.

• A T T R I B U T E S •

Location:	On Point Chehalis, at Gray's Reef (the south end of Gray's Harbor).
Year built:	1898
Form:	Octoganal pyramidal
Composition:	Brick
Markings:	White w/ green trim, red roof
Height:	107 feet
Present Optic:	FA-251
Original Optic:	Third Order Fresnel
Focal Plane:	123 feet above sea level
Visibility:	23 miles
Remarks:	Original lens still in tower but not operational

• S T A T U S •

Although owned by the Coast Guard, Gray's Harbor Light is leased to the Westport Maritime Museum. The lighthouse is open to the public only when available volunteers can host it. The light continues to serve as an active navigational aid.

• D I R E C T I O N S •

From Seattle: Head south on I-5 to US-101 (Exit 104). Follow US-101 to WA-8. Follow WA-8 to WA-12. Follow WA-12 to WA-107. Follow WA-107 to US-101. Take US-101 to US-105. Follow US-105 into the town of Westport and follow the signs for Westport Light state park.

From Portland: Head north on I-5 to WA-432. Head west on WA-432 to WA-433. Follow WA-433 to an unmarked local road. Follow this road to US-30, and then take US-30 to US-101. Take US-101 north to US-105. Follow US-105 into the town of Westport and follow the signs for Westport Light state park.

• W A L L P A P E R •

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