Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, Washington state, United States

Guiding ships through history. Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, Washington state

Ships, storms and changing technology have come and gone, but the light remains. On Washington's San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Lighthouse has overlooked Haro Strait since 1919. Perched on a rocky bluff, its white flash continues to guide vessels through a major inland marine waterway in the Pacific Northwest. The lighthouse stands within Lime Kiln Point State Park, which is recognised as one of the world's best places to watch wild orcas from shore, with whales sometimes passing remarkably close to the coast.

Originally equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse later adopted modern lighting while continuing its navigational role. Though automated today, it remains an active aid to navigation and a cherished historic landmark. More than a scenic lookout, it offers a glimpse into over a century of maritime history, where a working lighthouse and one of the region's best wildlife-viewing spots continue to share the same rugged shoreline.