Mukilteo Lighthouse

On the water side is the Mukilteo Lighthouse, a charming and historic beacon that’s been guiding ships into Puget Sound since 1906. Guided ships into the Puget Sound on the east side of Whidbey Island, this lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an active navigational aid to this day.

The lighthouse is the centerpiece of Lighthouse Park, a popular local destination featuring a beach, picnic shelters, and a children’s play area. While the City of Mukilteo owns the property, the Mukilteo Historical Society manages the lighthouse itself, offering guided tours and interpretive exhibits that bring the site’s maritime history to life.

The lighthouse’s original fourth-order Fresnel lens still shines brightly—its beam visible up to 10 miles away. Alongside the main tower, you'll find several well-preserved historic buildings, including the old engine house, two former keeper’s residences, the oil house, and a garage. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate both the light and the foghorn, maintaining the lighthouse’s vital role in maritime safety.

As shipping traffic through Puget Sound increased in the late 19th century, so did the need for reliable navigational aids. In response, Congress allocated funding, and the Mukilteo Lighthouse was built in 1906 to help guide vessels safely through these busy waters.

When it first opened, the station even featured a windmill used to pump water from a nearby well—but that structure was removed in 1934. The lighthouse originally used a clockwork-driven lens that rotated every ten seconds. In 1927, that was replaced by the current Fresnel lens, which was actually manufactured back in 1852 and continues to shine to this day.

Electricity was introduced to the site in 1927, but the light and foghorn weren’t fully automated until 1979. Interestingly, during the 1960s, the Coast Guard had plans to tear down the lighthouse and replace it with a modern light. However, the local community rallied to preserve it, and thanks to their efforts, the historic structure was saved.

In 2001, ownership of the property was officially transferred to the City of Mukilteo, paving the way for the creation of Lighthouse Park—a space that blends local history with a beautiful public waterfront.

"Lighthouse Park." City of Mukilteo. Accessed March 9, 2020. https://mukilteowa.gov/departments/recreation/parks-open-spaces-trails/lighthouse-park/?cn-reloaded=1.

"Mukilteo Lighthouse." Lighthouse Friends. Accessed March 9, 2020. https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=32.

Williamson, R.J. "Mukilteo Light Station." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. October 21, 1977. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/a0b97ff3-761d-4cc1-bf6c-1c8d50d36dd9.