Punta Gorda Lighthouse

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About The Site

Punta Gorda sketch

Punta Gorda stands along California's "Lost Coast" - one of the most isolated sections of the state. A lighthouse was established in 1912 to mark Windy Point - an extremely hazardous seaward spur of rock. The Lighthouse Board originally requested construction of a station here in 1888, but construction dd not begin until 1910. In the meantime, nine ships were lost near Punta Gorda, including the Columbia, along with 87 passengers. The fog signal was operational by 1911, and the fourth-order Fresnel lens the following year.

The station was extremely isolated. Materials for construction were landed north of the station and hauled by sled to the site. The route from the station to the town of Petrolia - ten miles distant - involved crossing sand and creeks, traveling through wilderness, and along the sometimes-flooded Mattole River. In the 1940's, supplies were brought to the station by a combination of "horse and wagon, a small tractor, and a jeep." During stormy weather, the beach was impassible, making the station accessible only by foot or by horse. The lens clockwork was still hand-cranked in 1945.

In 1951, the isolated station was deemed unnecessary and closed. A navigational buoy replaced the light. The outbuildings were burned down by the Bureau of Land Management in 1970 to discourage squatters, leaving only the tower and oil house. The light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and was restored in 1989 by the California Conservation Corps. The Honeydew Volunteer Fire Department helps preserve the station today.

References (see links)

Umbrella Guide to California Lighthouses, Nelson (2nd edition) pp. 151-152
California Light Stations and Other Aids to Navigation c. 1950, Twohy and Mattson, p. 70
California Lighthouses, Roberts and Jones p. 19

Select an image to enlarge

Punta Gorda

Oil House

Tower Steps

Rusting Debris on the Beach

Tower Railing

From the Lantern Room

The Tower

Inside the Oil House

A Lonely Vigil

The Lost Coast

The Station

Against King Range

Directions: The lighthouse is located in the King Range National Conservation Area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). From Highway 101, follow Highway 211 to Ferndale. In Ferndale, turn right on Ocean Drive. Turn left onto the Mattole Road to Petrolia. There is an old "Capetown Petrolia" sign marking the road. Take the Mattole Road 30 miles to Petrolia. Continue through Petrolia for 0.8 miles, then turn west onto Lighthouse Road, and drive 5 miles to the Mattole Recreation Site at the end of the road. The last mile is unpaved. From the parking lot, hike 3.5 miles to the light. The lighthouse is empty. There are no doors or windows. The lighthouse is open simply because there is nothing to keep anyone out.

It is strongly recommended that visitors prepare for a trip to this extremely isolated lighthouse. Contact the BLM (see links) prior to visiting. (This information proved invaluable on our trip.) The "Lost Coast" is aptly named. The Mattole Road is a narrow, winding road over mountainous terrain. Allow 1.5 hours from 101 to the trailhead. Be prepared for heavy weather - the winds can be cold year-round. The hike is challenging. The Lost Coast Trail is mostly over sand. A section of the trail is impassible at high tide. During winter, you must wade across Fourmile Creek. If you bring food, you may be required to rent a bear-proof container. Tide tables and bear-proof containers are available at the BLM offices. (September 2006)