Bear Island Light Station

Overview

Perched on the west end of tiny Bear Island at the entrance to Somes Sound, Bear Island Light Station is a classic, 31-foot brick lighthouse with a keeper’s house and outbuildings tucked among spruce and granite. It’s part of the park’s history and scenery, but it’s privately leased and not open to the public—this one’s meant to be admired from the water or afar.

How to See It

You won’t step ashore here. The lighthouse is best viewed from boats and ferries that pass the mouth of Somes Sound. The Cranberry Isles mailboat cruises by daily, and seasonal boat tours and kayak outings also give great angles. From land, you can get a distant look from Shore Road in Manset, but bring binoculars or a long lens.

What Makes It Special

Set at the narrow gateway to Somes Sound, the station’s compact tower and gambrel-roofed keeper’s house make a storybook silhouette against rocky shores and open ocean. The light is a private aid to navigation today, flashing white every five seconds.

History in Brief

• Established in 1839; current brick tower dates to 1889.
• Outbuildings include a 1905 oil house and boathouse.
• Discontinued in the 1980s and replaced by an offshore buoy; the property joined the park in 1987, was listed on the National Register in 1988, and was relit as a private aid in 1989 under a long-term lease that funds its upkeep.

Wildlife & Scenery

From the water, keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, and occasional porpoises along the rocky shoreline—nice bonuses while you’re lining up lighthouse shots.

Photography Tips

• Shoot from a boat for the best perspective; use a fast shutter speed to counter the "motion-of-the-ocean."
• Mornings and late afternoons offer the most flattering light.
• A telephoto lens helps from shore or when tour boats keep their distance.

Best Time to Visit

When seasonal boat cruises are operating. Aim for morning or late-afternoon light for photography. The mailboat’s daily run is the most reliable way to see it up close without chartering.