The tallest lighthouse on the West coast is the Pigeon Point Light Station. Built in 1871, it is still an active aid to navigation for teh Coast Guard. It is now a California Historical Landmark and on the National Register of Historical Places. The lighthouse got its name from the ship Carrier Pigeon that wrecked in this location in 1853.
The lighthouse keeper's house has been restored and is now used as a youth hostel. The lighthouse is an impressive site as one drives down the coast of California. (See also previous post Pigeon Point Lighthouse.)