Lighthouses you can Paddle To - West Point in Seattle
Easily accessible West Point Lighthouse in Seattle has spectacular views.
Located in Seattle’s Discovery Park on a low point protruding into Puget Sound, West Point has spectacular views of downtown Seattle, Mt Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and several islands such as Vashon, Blake and Bainbridge.
West Point Lighthouse
The phrase "Thrusts far out" is the translation of "Per-co-dus-chule" or "Pka-dzEltcua," which refers to West Point in Seattle, according to the Duwamish people.
This name reflects the geographical feature of the point, which juts out into the waters of Puget Sound. The Duwamish language offers a vivid description of the land's shape and prominence in the landscape.
As settlers began to arrive and develop Seattle and surrounding towns, shipping also increased. In 1872 the Lighthouse Board recommended a light to be installed at West Point which due to it’s outward shape was a hazard to ships.
A structure was built in 1881 with a fresnel lens not far above the beach. Unlike lighthouses on the East Coast, this structure like others nearby were rather short. Three other buildings were built behind the lighthouse.
Fort Lawton was opened in the late 1890’s on the bluffs above West Point. The fort closed in 2011.
There was no road to the light station until the early 1900’s when the military added a rough road which was later improved between 1929 and 1939.
In 1966 the West Point Treatment Plant was built behind the lighthouse to serve Seattle’s wastewater needs. Prior the plant, raw sewage flowed directly into Puget Sound. The current plant takes up most of the point behind the lighthouse.
In 1973 Discovery Park opened providing public road and trail access from above.
The lighthouse remained manned until 1985 when it became automatic. It’s listed as a National Register of Historic Places.
Paddling to West Point
The point is accessed on water by several directions with the shortest distance being 1.5 miles one way from Ballard.
One Way Paddling Distances to West Point:
Golden Garden Park - 3.9 miles
Ballard Elks Beach (must be a member or park on the street) - 1.5 miles
Commodore Park in Magnolia by the Ballard Locks - 1.84 miles
32nd Ave West in Magnolia (South side) - 2.78 miles
Fay Bainbridge Island Park, Bainbridge Island - 4.8 miles
Parking lot access at West Point is only available to folks with kids under 6 years of age or over 62. One time permits are available at the Discovery Park Visitor Center.
Cascadia Marine Trail Campsites Nearby - Closest is Fay Bainbridge.
Landing at West Point
With the point sticking so far out in the Sound it’s exposed to wind, waves and boat wakes. I’ve seen waves from three different directions colliding on the sandbar which stretches directly west of the lighthouse.
Like any protruding land mass, it’ll be calm on the opposite side. So if blowing from the south (a southerly - see below) the north side should be calm or flat.
Last week I paddled the point during a southerly. I was nearly flat all the way the point and nuts on the south side.
I’ve been surfing large freighter, tug and recreational boat wakes off the point for years. In winter months I surf high wind waves on all sides of the point, often accompanied by kite and foil surfers.
The waters off the point can also be flat glass!
Monitor wind apps like Windy and Wind Alert and shipping tracking apps like MarineTraffic to find your best time to land. And watch for passing boats when approaching the point.
In spring and summer during minus tides, ‘South Beach’ which extends from the lighthouse to below Magnolia Bluff can be completely dry far from shore. The sandbar west of the lighthouse can also be exposed.
In higher tides, I recommend landing 50’ or more away from the point to avoid waves. Land on the north side during low tides. You can portage across the point behind the two structures behind the lighthouse. There’s a restroom in the parking lot on the south side. There is no overnight camping and the park is closed at night.
Additional Resources:
Get my book Paddling the Salish Sea to learn more about paddling to and around the lighthouse. The book also covers Shilshole and Elliott Bays, Bainbridge and beyond.
History Link - West Point Lighthouse
Join the Ballard Elks Lodge which has a 100 member paddling club. Park guilt free in their lot for easier access and get a beer after your paddle - while viewing the lighthouse! Ask me if interested.
I Provide Custom Surf Ski and SUP Coaching
Through my business Salmon Bay Paddle I offer 1-1 and 2 person personalized paddling lessons for sups and surf skis in the Seattle area and beyond for all skill levels.
Whether starting as a total beginner or as an advanced paddler seeking to refine your skills I can help you reach your goals.
I provide training for touring, learning about tides and currents and trip planning, paddling safely in Deception Pass, surfing freighter waves in Seattle and more.
Contact me to chat. / Follow me on IG: @salmonbaypaddle
Related Posts:
Using Tidal Currents to your Advantage - Current model based off West Point
Navigating the Breeze- How to Paddle Upwind Easier