Protected 1909 lighthouse, outbuildings & cottage on a rugged headland in a 296.5-acre park.
Located on the scenic Mendocino coast, halfway between Russian Gulch State Park and Caspar Beach, the Point Cabrillo Light Station has long been a beacon to sailors. Ironically the clipper ship Frolic collided with the rocky California shoreline in 1850, just north of the future location of the light station. Nearly 60 years later on June 10, 1909, the Fresnel lens was first illuminated at Point Cabrillo, and today this active light station not only offers an interesting glimpse into maritime history, but also affords adventuresome visitors the opportunity to spend the night.
Explore the Light Station
Accessible parking is available in the main lot near the Kearn Farmhouse, which is about a half-mile walk from the light station. The pedestrian path to the light station is wide and paved, however it’s downhill on the way there, and the hike back is a bit steep. That said if you can’t manage the walk and you have an accessible parking placard you can drive down the road and park in front of the 2nd Assistant Lightkeeper’s residence, which is just a short level walk from the lighthouse.
The restored blacksmith and carpentry shop, which is located across from the accessible parking area, is worth a stop on the way to the light station. There is a two-inch cement lip at the entrance, but if you can manage that obstacle, there’s enough room for a wheelchair inside the small building. The highlight of the exhibit is a 240-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with urchins, sea stars, anemones, squid and a variety of other California marine life. Other interpretive exhibits, photos and artifacts are spaced throughout the two-room structure, and together they offer a good primer on the flora and fauna of the area.
The lighthouse itself is located next door. Although there’s a ramped entry in front, there is a gravel patch near the door that may be problematic for some wheelchair-users. Alternatively the double-wide back door, which is adjacent to a sidewalk, can be opened on request for easier access. Inside, there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interpretive exhibits and through the small gift shop. Artifacts include old photos, instruments, ship models and even the canon which was salvaged from the Frolic.
Save some time for a peek inside the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s residence, which is located near the accessible parking area. There’s ramp access to the building, and barrier-free access around the first floor. Built in 1909, the residence is furnished as it would have been in 1935, after electricity was added to the building. There are also accessible restrooms in the small building behind the residence.
Point Cabrillo is a lovely spot for a picnic lunch, and there are several accessible picnic tables on a grassy spot near the accessible parking area. So pack along some provisions, and enjoy the spectacular view.
