[1][2] The lighthouse sits at the base of a steep cliff, very near the North anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge.

During operation, the facility included the fog signal building, a coal shed, water tank and a two-story keeper's quarters.

[4] In 1900, a lens lantern was hung on the south-east corner of the fog signal building, at a height of 20 feet (6.1 m) above the water.

In 1902, the coal-powered steam horn was modified to use crude oil to reduce operating costs and smoke pollution.

[6] A subsequent investigation into the incident identified high winds, which rendered the foghorn signal ineffective, and currents in the strait as causes of the accident.