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Destruction Island Light stands on a remote, windswept island off Washington’s Olympic Peninsula coast. Built in 1892, this 94-foot tower guided mariners through treacherous coastal waters for over a century before being decommissioned. The island’s ominous name dates to 1775, when Spanish explorers lost crew members to a hostile encounter nearby. The lighthouse is not open to the public, and the island itself is a protected wildlife refuge closed to visitors. However, the tower is visible from several mainland viewpoints along Highway 101, particularly near Ruby Beach. Overcast winter days create dramatic photography conditions against the moody Pacific backdrop. Nearby, explore Olympic National Park’s wild beaches, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the charming coastal town of La Push.

Explore Nearby

• Griffiths-Priday State Park — State Park in Washington
• Olympic National Forest — National Forest in Washington
• Damon Point — State Park in Washington
• Schafer Farm Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington
• Johnson Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington