The Point Reyes headlands jut 10 miles out to sea, a hazard for ships sailing between San Francisco Bay and the north coast.

History

A lighthouse was assigned to Point Reyes in 1855, but a fight over the land price delayed it for 15 years. The 16-sided, 37-foot iron tower first lit its first-order Fresnel lens on Dec. 1, 1870. Electricity arrived in 1938, and the concrete cliff stairs were added in 1939. The NPS says the light served for 105 years before the Coast Guard retired it in 1975 and installed an automated light below. Ownership then passed to the National Park Service.

Weather

Coast Guard records from 1962 call Point Reyes the windiest and foggiest point on the Pacific Coast, with weeklong fogs and gales of 75 to 100 mph.

Visiting

  • It's a 0.65-mile walk to the lighthouse, and the NPS says to expect high winds, cold, fog or rain. Wear layers.
  • About 300 steps lead down to the lighthouse when the stairs are open, weather permitting. Check the NPS visitor centers page for hours.
  • The nearest gas is 20 miles away in Point Reyes Station. Plan for at least a 40-mile round trip.
  • Bring water. Bottled water isn't sold at the park's visitor centers.