West Point Lighthouse at Discovery Park

West Point Lighthouse stands on a sandy spit at the western tip of Discovery Park, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, Washington. Built in 1881, the white lighthouse is the oldest in Puget Sound, and photographers use it as a foreground subject with the Olympic Mountains rising across the water to the west. The frame faces west and northwest, so sunset places the sun over the Olympics, producing silhouettes of the peaks, glowing water and warm light on the tower's white walls. Low tide widens the beach and offers driftwood, kelp and tidal pools as foreground, so checking tide tables before the visit is useful. The best light comes at golden hour in spring through autumn, while winter storms and clearing weather give dramatic skies. The lighthouse is reached on foot from the park's parking lots along a service road and trail, a walk that adds time when carrying a tripod, and sunset shooters should plan to hike back by headlamp or in dusk. Crowds are generally moderate, rising on clear summer evenings, and the beach is wide enough that tripod positions are rarely a problem. The park is public and free, tripods are generally accepted, and drones are restricted in Seattle city parks. Visitors should respect any signs around the lighthouse buildings, which are an active Coast Guard-related site in part. A 24-70mm lens handles the tower and mountains, while a telephoto isolates the peaks. Restrooms are available at the park's main facilities, and water should be carried.