The Punta Gorda Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks to see when hiking California’s mysterious Lost Coast. The 1912 lighthouse is one of the only symbols of human influence left on the otherwise desolate and untouched coastline, which stretches 75 miles between Rockport and Ferndale.
This coastal wilderness is so geographically challenging that it’s almost impossible to reach, unless you’re an experienced hiker ready for an unforgettable trip along the 25-mile Lost Coast Trail.
The lighthouse is situated a few miles down the coast from Mattole Beach in the King Range National Conservation Area. It earned the nickname “The Alcatraz of Lighthouses” due to its remote location and difficult access.
History of the Punta Gorda Lighthouse
The Indigenous Sinkyone, Mattole, and Wiyot peoples inhabited the Lost Coast region until the arrival of European settlers, who began developing nearby towns like Ferndale and Shelter Cove in the 19th century. While the rugged terrain thwarted any major development on the coastline, the United States Lighthouse Service managed to build the Punta Gorda Lighthouse in 1911.
The lighthouse’s Fresnel lens remained lit until after World War II, when it was deemed too remote and costly to maintain. In 1951, the lighthouse was replaced with a lighted buoy offshore, and the keeper’s house and other buildings were demolished.
Today, the concrete lighthouse tower and oilhouse still stand, having been restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The flag staff pole and the Fresnel lens are now at the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum in Samoa.
Visiting California’s Lost Coast
Most visitors see the Punta Gorda Lighthouse along their 25-mile journey up the Lost Coast Trail, although you can reach the relatively close-by Mattole Beach Trailhead by car.
Experienced hikers journey into California’s Lost Coast for a chance to see one of the state’s wildest and most untamed regions. The challenging Lost Coast Trail route takes travelers through black sand beaches and coastal forests, and requires a permit.
🌐 Learn more: Bureau of Land Management