Mukilteo Lighthouse

Description

Standing tall since 1906, the Mukilteo Lighthouse is honestly one of the most picturesque maritime landmarks you’ll find in Washington State. I’ve visited dozens of lighthouses along the Pacific Coast, but there’s something special about this 38-foot beacon that keeps drawing me back. The pristine white tower with its distinctive red roof has guided countless ships through Possession Sound, and today it continues to charm visitors with its rich maritime heritage.

The lighthouse sits on Point Elliot, offering breathtaking views of Whidbey Island, the Olympic Mountains, and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound. Y’know what makes it even better? You can actually go inside! The lighthouse is still operational but also serves as a museum where you can climb up for an up-close look at the original Fresnel lens – it’s seriously impressive engineering from the early 1900s.

Key Features

• Original 4th order Fresnel lens still in operation
• Two restored lighthouse keepers’ quarters with period furnishings
• Gift shop featuring local maritime memorabilia and souvenirs
• Interpretive displays about the lighthouse’s history and operation
• Spectacular waterfront location with beach access
• Educational tours led by knowledgeable volunteer docents
• Perfect spot for photography, especially at sunset
• Wheelchair accessible grounds and main floor

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, summer weekends between April and September are absolutely perfect for visiting the Mukilteo Lighthouse. That’s when it’s open for tours, typically on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. But here’s a local tip – try to arrive around 4 PM when the crowds thin out and the lighting is gorgeous for photos.

The weather can be unpredictable (it’s the Pacific Northwest after all!), but even on cloudy days, the views are pretty spectacular. And honestly? Those moody, overcast days sometimes make for the most dramatic lighthouse photos. Just bring a light jacket – it can get breezy by the water.

How to Get There

Getting to the lighthouse is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Seattle, hop on I-5 North and take the Mukilteo exit. Follow the signs toward the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry terminal – you can’t miss the lighthouse, it’s right next to it. There’s plenty of parking available, though it can fill up on busy summer weekends when everyone’s heading to the beach.

Here’s something cool – you can also reach the lighthouse by taking the Sounder train from Seattle to Mukilteo. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the station, and the route takes you past some charming local shops and restaurants. I’ve done this trip several times, and it’s a fun alternative to driving.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I’ve been here more times than I can count, so let me share some insider tips. First off, bring your camera – the lighthouse is incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. The gift shop only accepts cards now, so don’t worry about carrying cash.

If you’re planning to take the tour (which you absolutely should!), wear comfortable shoes – there are stairs to climb. And while the main floor is wheelchair accessible, the tower itself isn’t. Oh, and don’t rush through your visit! Take time to chat with the volunteer docents – they’re passionate about the lighthouse’s history and always have fascinating stories to share.

For families with kids, there’s a nice little beach area where they can play, and the lighthouse tour is totally kid-friendly. The guides are great at engaging young visitors with fun facts about maritime history. Pack some snacks and make a day of it – there are picnic tables with amazing views of the Sound.

One last thing – keep an eye out for the Washington State ferries coming and going. They pass right by the lighthouse, and it’s pretty cool to watch them navigate the waters just like ships have been doing for over a century. If you time it right, you might even catch one of our resident orcas swimming by – it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s absolutely magical!

Location

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