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Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse

Sand Island Range Rear is a 19.5-meter-tall skeletal tower painted red with a black vertical stripe. It stands on a pile-supported platform in Baker Bay, an older channel of the Columbia River north of the present main route. This structure serves as the rear light for a range system, guiding vessels entering the river. The light emits a white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 13 nautical miles. The site is accessible by boat and open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse, part of a range system with a front light, is essential for precise alignment to guide ships safely through the Columbia River's complex and shifting channels.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
19.5m
Geographic Range
13NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Oregon
Sea Region
Baker Bay, an old channel of the Columbia River north of the present channel, marking the second range for vessels entering the Columbia River.
Latitude
46.2672°
Longitude
-123.9810°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Chinook(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
G4535.1
USCG No.
6-9950
ARLHS No.
USA-982

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19.5m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red with a black vertical stripe

Structure: A 19.5m square cylindrical skeletal tower mounted on a platform supported by piles, carrying a rectangular daymark painted red with a black vertical stripe.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Sand Island Range Rear displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Chinook at 2 NM to the E. Other ports served include Ilwaco (3.2 NM NW), WARRENTON (6.7 NM SSE), Astoria (8.8 NM SE), Bradwood (23.3 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sand Island Range Rear 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 Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Sand Island Range Rear 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 Sand Island Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sand Island Range Rear 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.