ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Seattle, Washington
Alki Point Lighthouse is nestled kinda out of sight in a quiet little neighborhood on the southern tip of the entrance to Elliott Bay. Originally named New York because the landowners that it would become a bustling seaport. Wrong they were, for Seattle was just north and took that role.
The site is located past the southern tip of the public Alki Beach. Take I-5 South to get there from Seattle. Once on I-5, take the W. Seattle Freeway Exit - the one next to the Rainier Brewery. Take the Harbor Ave Exit and exit to right on Harbor Ave. Follow this road, along side the water, until the road turns into Alki and finally Beach Drive. Follow this road, past the lighthouse. Park at the front end of the walkway.
The station at Alki Point was established in 1887, but the light in this 37 foot high tower didn't start flashing until 1913 through a 4th order Fresnel lens. The original light had been a brass lantern that burned kerosene. Hung from the side of a barn. Automation of the site took place in 1984 and a modern optic replaced the lens in 1998. There is a fog signal located at the lighthouse and is a horn.
Here's how I saw it:
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OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001