West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
4.8(1.5K)google
Historic BuildingCoastOcean ViewPhoto SpotSunriseMust-See
Overview
West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States. In 1808 a lighthouse was constructed at the site to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows. The current tower, with distinctive red-and-white stripes, was constructed in 1858 and is an active aid to navigation.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeMay through October is the peak operational window. An absolute must-experience is arriving before 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise. Marking the easternmost point of land in the United States, this is the very first place in the nation to greet the morning sun. The red-and-white 'candy-striped' tower perched over dramatic black jagged cliffs under a blanket of ocean fog offers a spiritual photography prompt.
Getting ThereSituated at the remote easternmost edge of America in Lubec. Driving is the only viable method: follow rugged US-1 North for a long haul to Whiting, turn right onto ME-189 East toward Lubec for 10 miles, and make a right turn onto Quoddy Head Road, driving straight to the parking terminus at 973 Quoddy Head Road. There are absolutely no mass transit options serving this wilderness headland.
Travel Tips
- Anchoring the easternmost geographical limit of the US mainland, this remote station sits within an absolute multi-mile cellular dead zone; downloading comprehensive offline GPS topographic layers prior to departure is mandatory.
- The Bay of Fundy microclimate triggers volatile, dense arctic sea fogs that instantly reduce horizontal visibility under 5 feet; the coastal hiking bluffs develop intense slick mud patterns, demanding high-traction waterproof footwear.
- Managed as a specific Maine state park utilizing self-service Iron Ranger tariff collection, the iconic candy-striped masonry tower interior scales are heavily locked to the public outside rare mid-summer cultural preservation windows.
Reviews
Positive
- The iconic red-and-white candy-striped lighthouse is visually rare and striking! Standing at the easternmost point of the US, its landmark value is profound.
- Surrounded by a pristine state park with cliffside trails and mossy pine woods, offering an absolute quiet, uncommercialized nature experience.
- A free compact visitor center museum is at the base, with sweet volunteers sharing lighthouse keeper lore. Service and management are heartwarming.
- Though the drive is long, the route is scenic. No admission fee (only a tiny parking charge), providing flat parking and clean restrooms. Great convenience.
Heads up
- Extremely remote and isolated location! Located in Lubec at the northeastern tip of Maine, it takes 4-5+ hours of driving from Portland. Hard to access.