Definition
Point Wilson is a coastal headland on the western shore of Puget Sound in the state of Washington, United States. The site is notable for the Point Wilson Lighthouse and the adjoining Point Wilson State Park.
Overview
The point projects into Commencement Bay near the city of Tacoma and marks the entrance to the Seattle‑Tacoma shipping channel. The United States Coast Guard operates the lighthouse, which aids navigation through the busy waterway. The surrounding area, managed as a state park, provides public access to beaches, trails, and bird‑watching opportunities, and it is part of the larger Point Wilson Conservation Area that protects coastal habitats for marine birds and marine mammals.
Historically, the location served as a navigation aid for early maritime traffic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The current lighthouse structure, a concrete tower topped with a lantern, was completed in 1914 and remains an active aid to navigation.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Point Wilson” is believed to honor an early settler or explorer bearing the surname Wilson; however, detailed historical records confirming the precise individual are not available. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: The headland consists of a low‑lying, rocky shoreline that slopes gently into the surrounding intertidal zone. The area experiences a temperate maritime climate with frequent fog and moderate precipitation.
- Lighthouse: The Point Wilson Lighthouse stands 30 feet (9 m) tall and is equipped with a modern beacon that emits a white flash every 10 seconds. The structure is automated and does not house a resident keeper.
- Ecology: The adjacent conservation area supports habitats for seabirds such as gulls, terns, and cormorants, as well as occasional sightings of orcas and harbor seals. Vegetation includes coastal grasses, shrubbery, and stands of Sitka spruce.
- Recreation: Point Wilson State Park offers picnic facilities, a small beach, and a network of walking trails. The site is accessed via a short road off State Route 16.
Related Topics
- Point Wilson Lighthouse
- Puget Sound navigation aids
- Washington State Parks system
- Coastal conservation in the Pacific Northwest
- List of headlands of the United States
This entry reflects information verified from publicly available geographic and historical sources. No speculative or unverified claims have been included.