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Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Constructed in 1909, this lighthouse stands 14 meters tall with its light positioned 25.5 meters above the water. It emits a white light. The structure has served as a federal aid to navigation since its first lighting in 1909. It is located in northern California, positioned between Point Arena and Cape Mendocino, south of the community of Caspar. The lighthouse is now part of the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park.

Why it matters: This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Point Cabrillo Light is a lighthouse in northern California, United States, between Point Arena and Cape Mendocino, just south of the community of Caspar. It has been a federal aid to navigation since 1909. It is part of the California state park system as Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. It should not be confused with the inactive Old Point Loma Lighthouse or the active New Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego, both of which lie within the grounds of Cabrillo National Monument and are sometimes referred to as the Cabrillo lighthouse.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
25.5m
Year Built
1909
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Open to public
museum
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
14m
City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
39.3486°
Longitude
-123.8262°
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How do mariners identify Point Cabrillo Lighthouse at night?+
Point Cabrillo displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 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 Cabrillo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Fort Bragg at 6.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include Laytonville (26.1 NM NE), Point Arena (27.7 NM SSE), Redwood Valley (29.7 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Cabrillo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Cabrillo 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 Cabrillo Lighthouse?+
Point Cabrillo 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 Cabrillo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Cabrillo 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.