Point Arena Lighthouse
Point Arena Lighthouse
Mendocino Coast, Near Point Arena, CA
Image by Jonathan Ross @ www.jonathandross.com
Built in 1870, the Point Arena Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses along the Mendocino coast. The coastline, covered with large rocks and crashing waves, provide spectacular views and great photographic opportunities.
Visiting this magnificent location near sunset, offers a great opportunity to come away with both a portfolio shot and a wonderful memory for life. The lighthouse offers tours daily including a hike up the stairs to the top.
Images and location summary by Jonathan Ross
Trail Difficulty - EASY
Follow Highway 1 north from the town of Point Arena and turn west onto Lighthouse Road at the sign for Lighthouse Pointe Resort. Follow this road to the end and follow signs for parking. There are multiple locations to pull over from the road capture the lighthouse in the distance.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
Sea Level
Photography Tips
Using a a telephoto lens lets you capture the lighthouse with the waves crashing along the shoreline as there is a long road leading up to the actual lighthouse. The longer focal length is great for compression. Visiting during sunset allows gives the opportunity for some dramatic skies at this location.
This image was shot int he winter, so there were more waves crashing into the shoreline.
(The area is also drone friendly)
Directions
From Point Arena: drive northeast on CA - HWY 1 (Shoreline highway) for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Lighthouse Rd and drive for 2.1 miles until you reach the parking area for the lighthouse (there are multiple locations to pull over from the road capture the lighthouse in the distance).
There is a small pull-out / parking area just before you get to the entry booth (500 yds back from the lighthouse parking). The shot above was taken down on the rocks just west of the entry booth. Take care when walking down the rocks.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 215 mm
Exposure – 1/3th sec @ f 11.0
ISO – 100
Date – Dec 29th
Time – 5:15 pm
Other Images From This Location
Best Time of Day to Shoot
The best times to photograph this location is late afternoon to Sunset
The above image was take at 5:15 pm.
Best Time of Year
You can photograph this location anytime of year.
The above image was taken on Dec 29th
Lens(es) Needed
For capturing the shoreline with lighthouse the following lens you will want to bring a telephoto lens (70 mm - 200 mm or 100 mm - 400 mm)
The above image was taken at 215 mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required to photograph here. However to visit the lighthouse and walk to the top there is fee from the non-profit organization operates the facility.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is northwest around 335°.
Equipment Needed
A sturdy tripod and potentially a neutral density filter to slow down the shutter speed to create motion in the crashing waves.
Also, this are is drone friendly - which allows for some great opportunities.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
When I was there in the winter, I was the only photographer. Occasionally a person would pull over to photograph.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is good at this location.
Area Guides and Workshops
None