Dungeness Spit

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

This route offers a lovely beach run, complete with a lighthouse near the end.

$5, or so, fee to enter.

Running or "jogging" is not allowed on the spit.

This is a great longer loop for early morning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On clear days, Vancouver Island can be seen across the water, providing a peaceful view of our Canadian neighbors.

Try to head out at low tide, as the wet sand is much easier, and much more fun to move on than the soft dry sand or cobblestones. 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!

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

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.