The lighthouse was originally equipped with a stationary oil burning Fresnal lamp that produced a white light. Almost 10 years later, the tower was equipped with a rotating fourth-order Fresnal lens that produced four white flashes followed by two red flashes. In the 1920's the lighthouse received electricity. In the 1960's a 250-watt white-light was installed.

The light was automated in 1962 and is still operated by the United States Coast Guard. The lighthouse is not open to the public and serves as a residence for the park staff.

Charles Waldo, first keeper of the station, described it as "the loneliest place on earth."