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Point Reyes Lighthouse

R🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Constructed in 1870, the Point Reyes Lighthouse stands in Northern California. The tower measures 11 meters in height, with its light positioned 10 meters above sea level. It emits a red light, guiding mariners through the waters of the Gulf of the Farallones. Visitors can descend approximately 300 steps to reach the lighthouse, with access sometimes dependent on weather conditions. The main Lens Room houses the original Fresnel lens and its clockwork mechanism.

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

Background
The Point Reyes Lighthouse, also known as Point Reyes Light or the Point Reyes Light Station, is a lighthouse in the Gulf of the Farallones on Point Reyes in Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, California, United States. The park's adjacent Lighthouse Visitor Center features exhibits about the lighthouse and the park's marine life and natural history. Visitors can climb about 300 steps down to the lighthouse itself, weather permitting. The main chamber of the lighthouse, known as the Lens Room, features the Fresnel lens and clockwork mechanism, and is open to the public on a limited basis.
Characteristic Signature
R
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Focal Height
10m
Year Built
1870
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Tower Height
11m
City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.9955°
Longitude
-123.0232°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Which ports and harbors does Point Reyes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Reyes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Inverness at 10.3 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Marshall (11.3 NM NE), Point Reyes Station (11.4 NM ENE), Lagunitas (15.3 NM E), Bolinas (17.1 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Reyes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Reyes 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 Reyes Lighthouse?+
Point Reyes 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 Reyes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Reyes 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.