events & news

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Aug. 4th, 2024 was the Celebration of our 131st Birthday of the Lighthouse.

It was attended by Washington State Park directors BLM and Monument directors KOPL executive board, and hosted at the Orcas Hotel. Also in attendance was the Durgan Thomas family – relatives to our 2nd Lightkeeper, Edward Durgan, his daughter and author Helene Durgan/Glidden author of “Light on the Island”.

Our first Birthday was November 30th, 1893 when the lamp was lit.

The US flag flies again on Patos Island. First time in 50 years! Thank you to KOPL and partner with BLM. Docents can now raise the flag as part of opening the Lighthouse – Lowering it at sunset.

Our new Jackery Solar generator is stored in a steel Mouse proof box and is rated one of the top portable solar generators made. Another way we are going modern and saving dollars as well!  This Solar Generator was used for 2/3 of our Summer by Docents and maintenance Crews as well as our Ham Operators in 2024! Thanks to a grant from Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Orcas Island Community for supporting our KOPL cause.

Thank you Sandy! 

Long time KOPL member and retiring Maintence Chair, Sandy Evans, being honored for a lifetime of Service award with Washington  State Parks. Washington State Park director Steve Sabine, presenting the honor.

Thanks to a cooperative effort with Brandts Landing and D. Wilk a new  docent dock box was installed. The Dock Box contains life vests and the docent drop for volunteers to access when they arrive or depart the Island.

Work party members go out to the island via state park boats on specific days- once a month throughout the spring and summer. As part of the crew you’ll keep island trails passable and mow the field near the lighthouse. This is a cool way to check out seasonal wildflowers and spot wildlife, including marine mammals. You’ll leave Orcas Island in the morning, have lunch at the lighthouse, then return to Orcas by mid afternoon. 

Volunteer as a Lighthouse Docent or Trail Crew Member

Want to come out to Patos Island and volunteer your skills as a lighthouse docent or member of our trail maintenance crew? We offer free transportation on a Washington State Parks boat to and from the island from Brandt’s Landing on Orcas Island. As a Docent you’ll pre-register for a specific date (on weekends from Memorial Day-Labor Day) and get training from our seasonal crew. You’ll bring your own camping gear and pitch your tent in the beautiful docent  campsite on the bluff overlooking Active Cove. You’ll open the lighthouse for several hours each day and welcome visitors to view our historical and cultural exhibits. You’ll have plenty of free time to wander the trails, observe nature, and take photos. It’s a very enjoyable way to spend a day (or several).