The U.S. Coast Guard still owns the lighthouse but is in the process of designating it as excess property. Kitsap County has been leasing the lighthouse and surrounding property since 1998 and takes care of most maintenance on the lighthouse. Once Point No Point is declared as excess property, the county will be applying for permanent ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Act of 2000 (and is already doing ground work on the lengthy application process).
On June 16, 2006, the historic Point No Point light was switched off, ‘secured’ by the Coast Guard, and replaced with a modern automated optic light in plastic casing on a rail outside the cupola. The Coast Guard is phasing out use of classic lenses because the mechanisms are worn and it’s difficult to find replacement parts. The modern optic light has the same unique set of flashes as the original.
As seen in the picture above, there IS a crack in one panel. Tradition has it that it was struck by lightning in 1931 but the real explanation is a flare-up caused by the oil lamp that was used before the light was converted to electricity. For details, read the April 2009 issues of The Compass.
As a matter of fact, it is an almost identical twin to the West Point Lighthouse in Seattle. Both were designed by the same architect.
One half of the Light Keepers' Duplex is now available as a vacation rental. For further information click
here.
No, the only way into the light tower is via a curved metal ladder that would not be easily used by visitors. Also, the area below the ladder is quite small, making it difficult to navigate if there are many visitors.
YES! Email us via our contact page
here or call Kitsap County Parks and Recreation Department at (360)337-5350. Docents must agree to a background check as part of the application process. Once completed, you will receive training and background information that will be helpful for guiding visitors. You will also be "buddied" with one of our veteran docents as you learn the ropes. Be prepared to have a great time!
Friends of Point No Point is in the application process to receive 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. We welcome all contributions to help preserve and protect the lighthouse. Membership in the Friends brings several benefits including a quarterly newsletter, a membership certificate, and a warm feeling inside for helping such a worthy cause! Click
here for a membership form you may print, fill out, and drop into the mail with your membership and/or donation check.