Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
The Lighthouse
Standing sentinel at the southern edge of Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse overlooks the turbulent mouth of the Columbia River, one of the most treacherous maritime passages on the Pacific Coast. The site was first recommended for a lighthouse in 1848 due to the alarming number of shipwrecks in the area—earning the region its ominous nickname, the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Construction began in the early 1850s, but progress was delayed when the supply ship Oriole wrecked offshore in 1853, losing vital materials. Despite setbacks, the 53-foot brick tower was completed in 1856 and became the first lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest. Originally equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, the beacon stood 220 feet above sea level and cast its light nearly 20 miles out to sea.
The lighthouse’s location atop Cape Disappointment was chosen for its commanding view and strategic importance, though it came with challenges. The powerful surf often drowned out the sound of its 1,600-pound fog bell, and the light itself was invisible to ships approaching from the north—leading to the construction of the North Head Lighthouse two miles away in 1898. Over time, the original lens was replaced with smaller, more efficient lighting systems, and the station was automated in 1973. Today, the lighthouse remains active and accessible via a scenic trail from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s maritime legacy and breathtaking coastal vistas.
The Kit
The lighthouse comes as a kit made out of basswood, and it is a lot of fun to put together. The dimensions are 7 (W) by 4.5 (D) by 6 (H) inches. It comes in a decorative basswood box and the instructions can be found here.
Basswood
Basswood, also known as American linden (Tilia americana), is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. Revered for its soft, pale wood and fragrant summer blossoms, basswood is a favorite among woodcarvers and beekeepers alike. Its heart-shaped leaves and creamy-yellow flowers not only add ornamental charm but also produce nectar that yields a prized honey. The wood itself is lightweight, fine-grained, and easy to work with—ideal for carving, musical instruments, and furniture components. Historically, Indigenous peoples used its fibrous inner bark for making ropes and nets, a legacy reflected in the name “basswood,” derived from “bast.” Though not suited for outdoor durability, its versatility and gentle beauty make it a quiet staple in both natural landscapes and artisan workshops.