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Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Fl WR 15s🇺🇸Washington, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Construction of the Cape Disappointment Light was completed in 1856, and it was first illuminated that same year. The lighthouse stands 16 meters tall, with its light positioned 67 meters above sea level. Its tower features a white and red color scheme. The light emits a white and red color, exhibiting an alternating flashing characteristic.

Why it matters: With a geographic range of 21 nautical miles, this lighthouse has a heritage status of 2.

Background
The Cape Disappointment Light is a lighthouse on Cape Disappointment near the mouth of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Al.Fl
Focal Height
67m
Geographic Range
21NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856
Heritage Status
2

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2187477 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Color
white;red

Location

City
Washington
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
46.2757°
Longitude
-124.0521°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Disappointment Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Disappointment displays the characteristic Fl WR 15s — 1 wr flash every 15 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Disappointment Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ilwaco at 1.6 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Chinook (5 NM E), WARRENTON (8.7 NM SE), Astoria (11.6 NM ESE), South Bend (26 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Disappointment Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Cape Disappointment Lighthouse?+
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cape Disappointment Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Disappointment Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.