Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse and Trail
Details
Distance
0.5 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by John Maurizi
Explore a lighthouse and hike a short trail along the Pacific Coast. Peaceful setting and perfect to watch the sunset.
Point Arena Lighthouse is situated on the piece of land that is the closest to the Hawaiian Islands from the continental United States. The lighthouse stands at 115 feet high and you are able to go to the top. I did not have time for this, unfortunately but definitely something I will take advantage of on my next visit.
What I did make time for was to hike a short trail that flanked the lighthouse. The trail has signs designating it as a hiking trail but is no name for it. I'm calling it the Lighthouse Trail because it starts at the entrance of the Point Arena Lighthouse to the right and goes along a white fence separating the Lighthouse property from the Stornetta Public Lands. The trail continues along the fence near the end then turns right along the coast. There is a cove and two points you can walk out to. The first has a blowhole of sorts and at high tide is nice to watch. The trail continues around the cove to the other point. I turned back here but the trail may go further. A very peaceful hike and in mid June there were plenty of spring flowers blooming.
The lighthouse and museum are open daily from 10am to 3:30pm but between Memorial Day and Labor Day they stay open until 4:30pm. The cost is $7.50 for adults and $1.00 for children. There is also the Lighthouse Keepers vacation rental house where you can reserve and stay over night. This sounds like something I would also like to do.
This is a perfect hike to watch the sunset if you are in the area.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewArena
Really beautiful 1 mile drive from the 101 and there were quite a few people in the pull off, seated and just watching the waves. Great detour!
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