Piedras Blancas Light Station

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Location	Point Piedras Blancas, California
Coordinates	35°39′56″N 121°17′04″W
Tower
Constructed	1875
Foundation	Masonry
Construction	Brick
Automated	1975
Height	70 ft (21.3 m)
Shape	Currently, conical with flat top
Markings	white with black trim
Heritage	National Register of Historic Places listed place
Light
First lit	1875
Focal height	142 ft (43 m)
Lens	First order made by Henri Lapaute Fresnel lens
Range	19 nm
Characteristic	Flashing white every 10 seconds

Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at Point Piedras Blancas, about 5.5 miles (8,900 m) west by NW of San Simeon, California.

History

The first order Fresnel lens at Piedras Blancas was first illuminated on February 15, 1875. The Piedras Blancas lighthouse was originally 100 feet high to the top of the ventilator ball. Earthquakes over the years damaged the structure. On December 31, 1848, final damage from an earthquake centered 6 miles (9.7 km) off the point led to the decision to remove the upper three floors: fourth landing, watch room, and lantern. Missing the beautiful ornate upper portion, the truncated lighthouse now stands about 70 feet (21 m) tall. The first order lens was moved and is on display in the nearby community of Cambria.[1] The United States Lighthouse Service staffed the site from 1875 to 1939. In 1906 a sound was added. The United States Coast Guard managed the light station from 1939 to 2001. In 1975 the light was automated, the sound signal removed, and the light station was unmanned. A group of biologists with the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received permission to establish a biological research station in 1977. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) assumed management of the site in 2001 and was tasked by the public to offer structured public access, to allow site-specific research to continue, and to restore the light station to its period of greatest historical significance, 1875-1940.

Current status

The Piedras Blancas lighthouse continues to serve as an aid to navigation. Currently, a Vega 25 inch marine rotating beacon produces a flash every 10 seconds. The light station is being managed as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary. Access of the 19-acre (77,000 m²) site is by guided tours, which are available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (except Federal Holidays) year round. From June 15 through August 31 tours are offered Mondays through Saturdays (except Federal holidays). The fee is $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6-17; and no fee for ages 5 and under. Special tours for parties of 10 or more may be arranged. The tour hour lasts two hours and includes the historic lighthouse and support buildings, wildlife viewing, and spectacular scenery along an easy 1/2 mile interpretive trail. The Piedras Blancas Light Station has been designated as an Outstanding Natural Area.

Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery

The largest elephant seal rookery on the West Coast is located about a mile south of the lighthouse along California Highway One. A large parking area and boardwalk offer easy access to view the elephant seals. Docents from Friends of the Elephant Seal provide insight as to what the visitor is viewing. Open year round.

Marine Protected Areas

Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area are marine protected areas offshore from Piedras Blancas Light Station. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Image gallery

• 
  Piedras Blancas lighthouse circa 1930.
• 
  Piedras Blancas Light Station, circa 1950, after removal of the upper three floors of the lighthouse.
• 
  Coastal scene with Piedras Blancas Light Station in the background.
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  Light tower entrance
• 
  Lighthouse interior with spiral staircase and landings.
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  Approach road to the light station.

External links

• Piedras Blancas Light Station: Outstanding Natural Area - official site at Bureau of Land Management