Name: Dungeness Spit
Rating: 4.2

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Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will love simply strolling along this awesome beach. You don't have to go far!

Running or "jogging" is not allowed on the Spit or forested trails leading to it - all are protected areas within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Only hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and fishing are allowed. Check tides for best walking conditions.

Overview

This beautiful route starts in coastal forest leading to a beautiful protected beach mixed with of sand, rocks and driftwood. It offers spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Need to Know

Open daily from sunrise to one half hour before sunset. Closing times are posted daily at the trailhead. $3 daily entrance fee per family or per group (up to 4 adults). Children under 16 enter free. Cash or check is accepted, please bring exact change. Refuge Annual Pass, Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior or Golden Age Pass, Access or Golden Access Pass, Military Pass, Volunteer Pass, Every Kid in a Park Pass, or a Federal Duck Stamp also admit a family or group (up to 4 adults).

Description

This is a great out and bike hike on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On clear days, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker and Vancouver Island can be seen.

This hike is best done at lower tides, as the wet sand makes for easier travel versus soft dry sand and cobblestones. At the highest tides, there is not much beach left and you'll be left scrambling over driftwood which is less than safe. Be sure you don't travel too far to the inside of the spit, stay on the seaward side, as the inside is closed for bird nesting. While the closures might restrict some recreational activities, the bird watching can bring its own reward. Over 250 species have been recorded on the spit, so bring your binoculars!

Flora & Fauna

Sand pipers, bald eagles, and other seabirds can all be seen in the area.

History & Background

The New Dungeness Light (lighthouse on the end of the hook) is a functioning aid to navigation on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, located on the Dungeness Spit in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Sequim, Clallam County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It has been in continuous operation since 1857, although the current lighthouse tower is 26 feet shorter than the original tower.