Point Arena Lighthouse

CA Hwy1 to Point Arena and look for the signs to the Lighthouse

This is a fun place to visit, as they have a very nice museum which has on display the original Fresnel (pronounced franel) Lens that lit the way for seafarers until the light was automated in 1977. I’ll definitely be back again, perhaps for some sunset and night time shots.

This is another spot along our rugged coast (about 17 miles north of Sea Ranch) where one can see the uplifted terrace characteristic of this geologically unique area. This is one of the most rugged spots along our entire north coast. Which is why this lighthouse was built in 1870 on one of the most treacherous spots along the coast for shipping. The original tower was constructed out of brick, and was one of the few remaining brick structures remaining in this area after the 1906 earthquake. Although still standing after the quake, the lighthouse was too damaged to continue operating and was rebuilt, and was the first steel reinforced concrete earthquake-resistant lighthouse built in the U.S. It stands at 115 feet tall, and its automated light can be seen for 25 miles.