POINT ARENA LIGHTHOUSE
Point Arena, California
Since I was already up here to see Point Cabrillo, I figured I might as well come south and see this one also. Glad I did. Can't miss this one either, like Pigeon Point, just drive south from Point Cabrillo on Hwy 1 and about 30 minutes later you'll see Point Arena Light House. It's a pay to go in place but you have many excellent views of the light while at the fence and along the road coming in. It sits on a little slice of land that juts out into the Pacific, forming a very dramatic coast line. Extremely rugged looking and not one I'd want to face if I had shipwrecked off the point as 10 ships did in 1865.
The first light built here was nearly identical to the 100 foot tower at Pigeon Point and the one further south at Piedras Blancas. The 1st order lens cut through the darkness on May 1st, 1870 for the first time as a fixed white light. The tower was wrecked in 1906 by the earthquake and the Lighthouse Service people built the new one themselves. All of the bids they received were too high. It was the first one built of reinforced concrete and built by hand. The same 1st order lens was changed to a rotating flash twice every 6 seconds.
Point Arena was automated in 1977 and became closed to the public. Then in 1982, the non-profit group, Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc. received permission to conduct tours. Now there is a museum and overnight lodging. They filmed part of 'Forever Young' with Mel Gibson in 1992.
Here's how I saw it:
OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001