Mukilteo Light

Mukilteo Light

Mukilteo Lighthouse
Location Mukilteo, Washington
Coordinates 47°56′55″N 122°18′22″W / 47.94861°N 122.30611°WCoordinates: 47°56′55″N 122°18′22″W / 47.94861°N 122.30611°W
Year first constructed 1906
Year first lit 1906
Automated 1979
Foundation Surface
Construction Wood
Tower shape Octagonal
Height 38 feet (12 m)
Original lens Fourth Order Fresnel lens

The Mukilteo Light at Mukilteo, Washington is an operational lighthouse with non-rotating fresnel lens. It originally had a revolving fresnel lens until 1927, when it was replaced with a fixed lens. The grounds and interior, inside a city park adjacent to the Washington State Ferries Mukilteo ferry terminal, are open to the public. The Mukilteo Historical Society maintains the lighthouse and the exhibits about the lighthouse and city history in the keeper's house.

History

The lighthouse went into operation in 1906. The lighthouse and a modern fog signal were automated in 1979, and in 1981, a remote fog sensor was installed. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and in 1991 the Coast Guard leased the lighthouse to the city of Mukilteo, although navigational equipment is still maintained by the Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is one of only a few lighthouses constructed of wood.

Events and amenities

There is a seasonal gift shop on site, a small museum, and friendly volunteers taking visitors to see the Fresnel lens and answer questions.

Weddings can be arranged to be held on the grounds by contacting the Historical Society.

A park and public boat launch are next to the light station grounds. On windy days, locals may be seen flying large kites. There is a public bathroom, and barbeque grills.

During salmon runs, the water between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island has traditionally been a good fishing ground for sports fishermen. Seals and otters frequent the area.

To the north of the Mukilteo light station, visitors can board the ferry to Clinton, on Whidbey Island.

Notes

    External links

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