West Quoddy Head Light
A red and white banded lighthouse at the easternmost point of the mainland United States, in far eastern Maine.
Updated 20 October 2026
The tower stands on the headland above the Quoddy Narrows near the Bay of Fundy, and its horizontal red and white bands are unusual on an American lighthouse and stand out against snow and fog. The present tower dates from 1858, replacing an earlier light of 1808. This is the easternmost point of the mainland United States, which is the reason many people drive out here, and the tides in the bay beyond are among the largest anywhere, running several metres on a cycle. The state park behind the light has trails along the cliff through spruce and a raised peat bog with arctic plants left over from the ice age.
What's there
- Red and white banding - bold against snow and fog.
- The easternmost mainland point - the reason for most visits.
- Huge Fundy tides offshore - several metres on the cycle.
- Cliff trails and a raised bog - arctic plants in the park behind.
When to go
June to September; fog is common in early summer. Two hours.
Good to know
It is a very long drive to reach - this is the far corner of the state. Fog can hide everything for days. The tower is not generally open. Facilities are minimal and seasonal.
Nearby
Lubec is close; Campobello Island is over the bridge in Canada.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q845154, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for West Quoddy Head Light
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Warm base layers - Merino or synthetic against the skin - never cotton, which chills when damp. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- An insulated + windproof jacket - A down or synthetic layer under a hard shell handles most cold. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
