Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth may be the most visited of Maine's roughly 60 lighthouses, but it is far from the only one that is photogenic. Parking for cars and tour buses and ease of walking access play a major role in determining popularity. However, some of the other lighthouses in the Portland area are nearly as accessible on foot and visiting them can be quite rewarding.

Ram Island Ledge Light is 1.2 miles from PHL and seems to find its way into nearly every wide view image of its more famous companion. But a telephoto lens can turn this distant tower into a treasure trove of solo images, several of which are shown here. As shown by the "Sunrise Sequence", it is perfectly positioned for summer sunrises.

Bug Light guards the South Portland side of the approach to Portland's inner harbor, but also graces a popular park built partly on the site of a World War II shipyard. The view from the park ranges from fog to kites to summer sailboats and cruise ships. On July 4 it fills with people coming to watch Portland's fireworks across the river. Between Bug Light and PHL is Spring Point Light, on its distinctive breakwater near Fort Preble. The upper parts of the fort are excellent for observing the parade of marine traffic in and out of Portland Harbor. Further out, near open ocean, boats traveling along the coast from points south look for Cape Elizabeth Light on their charts as the marker for turning in toward Portland. Unfortunately, the shore in the Two Lights area is too rocky to stop for lunch at the Lobster Shack on the way by.

Further downeast are many other well known lighthouses, only two of which are shown here. Owl's Head overlooks Penobscot Bay south of Rockland, a perfect vantage point for watching windjammers going to and from Camden. Further out of the way, but always worth a visit, is Bass Harbor Head Light, on the west side of Mount Desert Island.