Point Robinson Park trail

Location: Maury Island.

Length: About a mile.

Level of difficulty: Flat-to-moderate grassy and gravel paths (muddy after rains) and paved road down to lower parking lot at beach.

Setting: Point Robinson was named in 1841 by the Wilkes Expedition in honor of one of its crew members, John Robinson. The Coast Guard lighthouse here marks a low sandy shoal that extends off the eastern tip of Maury Island out into East Passage, midway between Seattle and Tacoma. The first lighthouse keeper's dwelling was built in 1885, when the original fog station went into operation. The current lighthouse was built in 1915, and is on the Washington State Heritage Register of Historic Places (the light was automated in 1978).

Highlights: In addition to its interesting human history, the park is notable for its natural phenomenon. On Jan. 28, 1995, a fault ruptured inside the earth beneath Point Robinson and generated a magnitude-5 earthquake.

The waters from north of Point Robinson south into Quartermaster Harbor make up the protected Maury Island Aquatic Land Reserve. Winter is an excellent time for bird-watching here, and keep a lookout for occasional sea lions and orcas offshore.

Facilities: Portable accessible toilet. One of the lighthouse keepers' houses is available year-round for weekly rental (proceeds are used to fund restoration efforts). Free, group lighthouse tours are offered by appointment.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect.

Directions: From West Seattle's Fauntleroy dock, take the ferry to Vashon Island. Drive off the ferry and head south on Vashon Highway Southwest for several miles. Turn left on Southwest 204th Street/Southwest Ellisport Road, and when you reach the water, turn right on Dockton Road Southwest. Where the road veers sharply to the right, continue straight on Southwest Point Robinson Road, and at the "T," turn right into the park.

Information: 206-463-9602 or www.vashonparkdistrict.org. For information on lighthouse tours and rentals, call 206-463-6672. Stop by the parks office off Vashon Highway (next to the Vashon library) on weekdays for a map of the island's parks.

Cathy McDonald is coauthor with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle" (The Mountaineers, 1997).