North Head Light stands on the rugged cliffs near Ilwaco, Washington, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1898, it was constructed to aid ships approaching from the north, complementing the nearby Cape Disappointment Light. The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, though the tower itself is not open to public climbing.
What makes North Head notable is its dramatic coastal setting, perched above windswept bluffs with sweeping ocean views. The best photography comes during golden hour or stormy weather, when waves crash against the headlands below.
Nearby, visitors can explore Cape Disappointment State Park, hike coastal trails, visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and see the historic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse just two miles south.
Explore Nearby
- Fort Stevens State Park — State Park in Oregon
- Loomis Lake — State Park in Washington
- Grays River Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington
- Schafer Farm Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington
- Nestucca River Recreation Area — Public Land in Oregon
