Washington Lights | Point Robinson Lighthouse

Point Robinson Lighthouse • Maury Island, WA

Although just a short drive and ferry ride from Seattle, at Point Robinson Lighthouse one could not feel more isolated. Situated on a small island in Puget Sound, the water buffers the light from the surrounding metropolitan area. I visited the light in May 1999.

• H I S T O R Y •

Point Robinson was established in 1885 as a fog signal station. The original 12-inch steam whistle is still in place, although no longer in use. The original boiler and steam whistle came from Oregon's Point Adams lighthouse. The current structure was built in 1912 when it was decided that the location needed a light. The light was automated in 1985.

• A T T R I B U T E S •

Location:	On the northeast corner of Maury Island, in Puget Sound.
Year built:	1915
Form:	Octagonal tower
Composition:	Masonry and concrete
Markings:	White w/ red roof
Height:	40 feet
Present Optic:	Fifth Order Fresnel
Original Optic:	Same, Fifth Order Fresnel
Focal Plane:	40 feet above sea level
Automated:	1978

• S T A T U S •

The lighthouse is an active navigational aid and is manned by the Coast Guard. As part of Point Robinson park, the grounds are open to the public. The lightkeeper's house is occupied by Coast Guard personnel (if you visit you may see their cat wandering about). Modern signal facilities have been built very close to the original structure, detracting somewhat from it's romance.

• D I R E C T I O N S •

From Seattle: Head South on I-5 to West Seattle Freeway (Exit 163). Take the West Seattle Freeway to Fauntelroy. Follow Fauntelroy until you see the signs for the Vashon Island ferry. Take the ferry to Vashon Island; when you drive off the ferry you will be heading south on Vashon Highway. Follow the signs for Point Robinson Park. Maury Island is connected to Vashon Island by a small strip of land; the highway crosses over to Maury Island there.

• W A L L P A P E R •

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