The State Parks and Recreation Commission has officially taken ownership of the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment State Park from the United States Coast Guard.

The transfer of ownership took place this month. State Parks now will be working to restore the 114-year-old lighthouse with the support of the Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse.

The lighthouse was put into service on May 16, 1898, as the primary navigational aid at the mouth of the Columbia River. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse had served this function since 1856; however, ships continued to run aground. Because of the number of shipwrecks, it was determined a second lighthouse was needed on the northwestern spur of Cape Disappointment.

With all of the original buildings associated with the station still standing, the North Head Lighthouse is the most intact lighthouse reservation in the Northwest.

The lighthouse is open for tours from May-September. Tours of the lighthouse lantern room are provided by State Parks volunteers. Hours for lantern room tours vary seasonally. Tour admission is $2.50 for adults and free for ages 7-17. To learn more about spring and summer tours or about volunteering at the lighthouse, call 360-642-3029.