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Point Arena Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Arena Lighthouse

Also known as: Point Arena Light Station

This lighthouse began operation in 1870, with its first light illuminating the coast that same year. The tower stands 35 meters tall, with its light situated 47 meters above sea level. It emits a white light, providing a navigational aid to mariners along the northern California coast. The structure is located two miles north of the town of Point Arena in Mendocino County. Access to the grounds is available to the public, offering a viewpoint for visitors.

Why it matters: The Point Arena Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Point Arena Light is a lighthouse in Mendocino County, California, United States, two miles (3 km) north of Point Arena, California. It is approximately 130 mi (210 km) north of San Francisco, in the Fort Point Group of lighthouses. The lighthouse features a small museum and gift shop. Guided tours of the light station as well as self-guided tours of the grounds are available daily.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Focal Height
47m

Construction & History

Year Built
1870
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

Visiting

Open to public
viewpoint

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
35m

Location

City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
38.9547°
Longitude
-123.7406°

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7207938 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Arena Lighthouse at night?+
Point Arena displays the characteristic Fl W 15s — 1 white 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.
Which ports and harbors does Point Arena Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Arena Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Point Arena at 4.2 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Fort Bragg (29.9 NM N), Redwood Valley (30.8 NM NE), Cloverdale (35.1 NM ESE), Laytonville (45.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Arena Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Arena 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 Point Arena Lighthouse?+
Point Arena 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 Point Arena Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Arena 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.