Alki Point

Alki Point is a peninsular on the eastern shore of the Puget Sound which was the site of the original settlement of Seattle, founded by the pioneers known as the Denny Party on November 13th 1851; Known then as 'New York Alki', it was soon realised that the peninsular was too exposed and in April 1852 the party moved to the more sheltered Elliott Bay, where modern day Seattle now stands.

It is believed that a kerosene lantern hung from a barn on the point served as a navigational aid as early as 1870, however the United States Lighthouse Board recognised the need for a proper light, and provided a lantern hung from a post in 1887.

The current lighthouse was built in 1913, and is made up of an octagonal tower with a circular lantern and conical roof, standing 11 metres tall. On the shore side of the tower is an engine room and fog signal building.

The light station is very similar to the Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island, which was built in 1915. The original fresnel lens was replaced by an aerobeacon in 1962, and the station automated in 1984.

The lighthouse is best viewed from the beach in front, accessed from the south side of Alki Point. The light station can also be seen from ferries across the Puget Sound from Seattle.