Lighthouses of California -  Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
1 Lighthouse Road
Ferndale, CA 95536
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, first lit in 1868, was one of California’s most remote and storm-battered coastal beacons, built to guide ships around the dangerous Lost Coast before being relocated and restored near Ferndale.

Prints & Downloads

Map

Cape Mendocino Lighthouse  Keepers (Partial list)
  • Staffed by a head keeper and assistants beginning in 1868
  • Keepers endured heavy storms, fog, and limited access to supplies
  • Rotation was common due to harsh living conditions

Location


Originally located at Cape Mendocino along the rugged Lost Coast of Humboldt County — one of the windiest and most isolated points on the California shoreline.​
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History

Key Milestones
  • 1868 – Lighthouse first lit at Cape Mendocino
  • Late 1800s – Station known for isolation, extreme winds, and difficult supply access
  • 1908 – Light discontinued due to remoteness and operational challenges
  • 1998 – Structure dismantled from original site and relocated to Ferndale
  • Present – Reconstructed lighthouse operates as a private aid to navigation and museum
Interesting Historical Facts
  • Cape Mendocino is one of the most seismically active areas in California.
  • Strong Pacific storms routinely battered the station with hurricane-force winds.
  • Landing supplies required navigating steep cliffs and rough surf.
  • The original site is now largely abandoned and difficult to access.
  • The current lighthouse near Ferndale preserves the structure after it was saved from deterioration.

Photography

You can easily shoot this location with a cell phone.
I gave it 4 stars because of the hundreds of Sea Lions that were sitting on the beach.   There is a stairs that allows you to walk down to the beach.