The Best Lighthouse Hikes in the U.S.

Though a short trail leads you right to the lighthouse, the Heceta Lighthouse Trail is part of a larger 7-mile network with routes of varying difficulty. Hikers will see nesting sea birds, sea lions, and whales from atop a cliff near the lighthouse overlook. [image: Beau Rogers/Flickr]

The Split Rock Lighthouse Trail is part of a 12-mile trail network and provides gorgeous views of the lighthouse itself, which towers above the shores of Lake Superior. [image: Pete Markham/Flickr]

Hike a section of the Pecho Coast Trail near Santa Maria, CA, to soak in views of the Pacific Ocean, Avila Beach, and San Luis Obispo Bay. The secret’s out, though: This 3.6-mile out-and-back gets crowded in the afternoons, so get there early! [image: Jerry Kirkhart/Flickr]

Take a 4-mile round-trip hike to the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. The Dunes Trail winds along Grays Harbor, which is also a hot spot for surfers and SUP-ers. [Mark Zimmerman/Flickr]

Make a two-mile round trip out to the lighthouse on the island of O’ahu. On a clear day, you might be able to see the islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i! Keep an eye out for tropical birds and humpback whales from November-May. [image: Frank/Flickr]

Washington’s oldest lighthouse, located in Cape Disappointment State Park, is famous for being situated on dramatic 100-foot cliffs. The North Head Trail will get you there. [Drew Sinky/Flickr]

Hike 7-miles out-and-back to this remote, abandoned lighthouse on California’s Lost Coast, also called the “Alcatraz of Lighthouses”. No cars allowed: This section of the King Range National Conservation area is only accessible on foot. [image: Andy Delcambre/Flickr]

There are two ways to reach this standout light house in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore beach or via a 3-mile trail near the Lower Hurricane River campground. Snap a few photos of the three shipwrecks on the beach when you reach the end. [image: cmh2315fl/Flickr]

A 5-mile round trip through Yaquinta Head Outstanding Natural Area gets you to the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. Bonus: You’ll be able to watch seals, whales, and seabirds doing their thing while you take a lunch break. [image: Mark/Flickr]

ow tide offers the opportunity to hustle 3 miles in to see this gem up close. The trail follows sandy beaches and rocky shores, so be careful not to slip! This lighthouse is still in use by the U.S. Coast Guard. [image: Ted Drake/Flickr]

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this route is popular with birders, dog walkers and yes, plenty of fellow day hikers. Spend the morning reaching the lighthouse via a 4-mile out-and-back trail that starts in Provincetown and offers sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay. [image: m10229/Flickr]

A little more ambitious, this 11-mile out-and-back along the Dungeness Spit in Washington will offer up fantastic views of the peaks in Olympic National Park. [image: Jim L/Flickr]