California’s Mendocino County Lighthouses
The Mendocino Coastline near Fort Bragg is a rugged and captivating stretch of the California coast. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, expansive beaches, and lighthouses, which combine to provide spectacular scenery. In this article we will explore California’s Mendocino County Lighthouses.
California has 16 lighthouses, and California’s Mendocino County is home to two.
The rugged Mendocino Coastline provides stunning views; however, before radar and GPS navigation, this coastline was dangerous for ship navigation. Two lighthouses, Point Arena and Point Cabrillo, were built in the early 1900s to allow safe maritime navigation. These two lighthouses were built around the same time and only 40 miles apart, yet they could not be more different.
Point Arena Lighthouse
The Point Arena Lighthouse is a striking landmark along the California coastline. At 115 feet, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the state.
Situated at the tip of Point Arena, which juts into the Pacific Ocean, this lighthouse safeguards a vast stretch of the coastline while also offering breathtaking views for photography.
From this vantage point, the lighthouse tower’s impressive height stands out in comparison to the main building.
The array of colors here is genuinely captivating. The white tower rises prominently against the sky, complemented by the red roof of the building, the golden hues of the cliffs, and the vibrant blooms of ice plants, all set against the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
At just 32 feet tall, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse resembles a charming seaside cottage rather than a traditional lighthouse. Unlike the towering Point Arena Lighthouse, Point Cabrillo’s lower profile is due to its location on a bluff 81 feet above sea level, eliminating the need for a taller structure.
This beautifully restored lighthouse is unique in California because it still uses its original Fresnel lens, which produces its signature flash every 10 seconds.
I captured this photo shortly after sunset, during the Blue Hour. The soft light allowed me to illuminate the lighthouse and showcase the focused beam from the original third-order Fresnel lens against the purple sky, just as it has illuminated the coast since its construction in 1909.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking the beauty of the California coast, Mendocino County’s lighthouses are a must-visit.
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