Dungeness Spit

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Last modified Oct 26, 2009 05:12 PM

No need to head all the way to the Pacific if it's a good beach hike you seek. One of Washington's best saltwater strolls is along its "north coast, "the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Actually, this hike heads directly into the strait on the longest coastal spit in the continental United States. A narrow strip of sand, dune, and beached logs, the Dungeness Spit protrudes over 5 miles straight into the strait. Prone to breaching during storms, the spit is also resilient and well-established-and well-hiked and loved by those who explore it.

The Dungeness Spit was formed by wind and water currents that forced river silt and glacial till to arch into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Over the centuries the spit has grown to over 5 miles. You can hike all the way to the tip, where a lighthouse has been keeping guard since 1857. The extreme tip, however, like the Dungeness Bay side of the spit, is closed to public entry to protect important wildlife habitat. Because the spit is protected and managed as a wildlife refuge, many recreational activities are restricted. Please respect areas closed to public visitation.

Try to do this hike during low tide for easier walking. Lying within the Olympic rain shadow, the spit receives less than 20 inches of rainfall annually, making it a great winter destination when surrounding areas are socked in. Pack your binoculars too, as the bird-watching is supreme. Over 250 species have been recorded on the spit and in Dungeness Bay, including many that are endangered or threatened. Marbled murrelets, harlequin ducks, and snowy plovers frequent the area.

Follow the refuge trail 0.5 mile through cool maritime forest. Before descending to the beach, take in sweeping views of the spit from an overlook. Now drop 100 feet, emerging at the base of tall bluffs and at the start of the spit. It's a straightforward hike to the lighthouse. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. If the 11-mile round trip seems daunting, any distance hiked along the spit will be rewarding.

If you head south from the trail, you can wander for over a mile on oft-deserted beaches under golden bluffs. Mount Angeles hovering in the distance may very well lure you this way. No matter which way you venture, expect some of the best beach hiking around.

Recent Trip Reports

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There are 16 trip reports for this hike. See all trip reports for this hike.

Next 5 reports » [1] 2 3

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge — May 17, 2008 — Jan

Day hike

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5/17/08 Dungeness Spit Lighthouse Annie, Mo and I left Federal Way area 6:00 AM arrived in parking lot at 8:45. We...

5/17/08 Dungeness Spit Lighthouse

Annie, Mo and I left Federal Way area 6:00 AM arrived in parking lot at 8:45. We had a slight detour in Bremerton. I really need to invest in a navigation system. Great day to hike, weather was a bit breezy at times, but overall very comfortable. The 5.5 miles to the lighthouse was much easier than the way back. We saw many deer, birds, dead fish of some kind washed up the beach, tons of ships. We also encountered several men with shirts off, one older gentleman wearing just a Speedo! The warm weather brings all kinds.. not sure what that was about, but good for him letting it all out. I’m nursing sunburn and back issues today but it was worth it. Amazing views from all sides. I can scratch this hike off my list. Drive 4.5 hours (200 miles), hike 5 hours (11 miles).

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Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge — Apr 12, 2008 — Ralph & Vicki

Day hike

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Great hike to start getting in shape I believe 5 1/2 miles to get to the lighthouse where there is...

Great hike to start getting in shape I believe 5 1/2 miles to get to the lighthouse where there is a nice lawn and picnic tables. Climb the lighthouse tower and see how far you need to hike back. The tilt of the beach and the sand make for a good overall leg workout.

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Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge — Jul 01, 2007 — bev

Day hike

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Dungeness Wildlife Refuge at Sequim is a wonderful place to explore for visitors of all ages. Yesterday the minus tides...

Dungeness Wildlife Refuge at Sequim is a wonderful place to explore for visitors of all ages.

Yesterday the minus tides near the middle of the day were perfect for a hike to the Dungeness Lighthouse. We enjoyed the tour offered by the current resident hosts; a group of enthusiastic volunteers from distant states with two excited grandkids. The kids proudly showing us their latest discoveries found among the driftwood piles that stretch the entire length of the spit.

Eagles appeared to be guarding the lighthouse while numerous birds and waterfowl entertained us during the 5 mile hike, together with the marine traffic; cargo ships going back & forth, fishing boats & cruisers, yachties and kayakers.

We noticed deer strolling the beach to the west, while the congregated seals noisily frolicked & slapped the water. A newborn seal pup was watched over unobtrusively by volunteers while visitors respected the wide undisturbed space the pup required.

Suggest review the tides as best hiking is on a low or minus tide with firm sand. Take a picnic lunch with plenty of drinks & snacks, sturdy boots are good plus a jacket for a possible stiff breeze. Enjoy a wonderful day at this very special place.

Great value entrance fee of only $3 per family, waived for those holding a posted pass.

Stats; 11 miles round trip to lighthouse with short cliff climb back to the trailhead.

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Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge — Feb 03, 2007 — pest

Day hike

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Had a good hike out to the lighthouse and back with the PWC today. Almost no sign of where the...

Had a good hike out to the lighthouse and back with the PWC today. Almost no sign of where the spit was breeched this winter. We paid no attention to the tides and made it all the way out to the end with no problems.

Saw two bald eagles and two harbor seals.

http://mosswalks.blogspot.com/

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Dungeness Spit — Dec 31, 2006 — Trekkers C & H

Day hike

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After not being out on a hike since late October, we were anxious to get out of the city (and...

After not being out on a hike since late October, we were anxious to get out of the city (and away from home projects) to do an easy stroll. Although we went out a little over 2 miles on the spit, it was a pleasant hike. The weather was calm and a bit cool. At the trailhead, the volunteer host mentioned to us of numerous breaches in the spit from the recent storms, some hard to pass during a high tide. This not a problem for us, being we happened to catch it as the tide was going out, but there were definate breaches along the way. Saw numerous shorebirds. The Olympics were outstanding from this direction. A good winter hike when the tide and weather are on your side!

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Next 5 reports » [1] 2 3

Location: Olympics -- North

Average Hike Rating

1.67 out of 5

Based on 3 votes

Featured In...

Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula
by Craig Romano

To buy the full book, including maps, elevation profiles, photos, and more, visit:

A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails.

Roundtrip	11.0 miles
Elevation Gain	100 ft
Highest Point	100 ft

Guidebooks & Maps: Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula (Romano - Mountaineers Books); USGS Dungeness; refuge maps available at trailhead

Driving Directions

(48.1413, -123.1899) Open in new window

Dungeness Spit: 48.1413333333 -123.189916667

From Sequim head west on US 101 for 5 miles. (From Port Angeles drive east for 12 miles.) Turn right (north) at milepost 260 onto oddly named Kitchen-Dick Road. At 3.3 miles, Kitchen-Dick sharply turns right, becoming Lotzgesell Road. In another 0.25 mile, turn left on Voice of America Road (signed "Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Dungeness Recreation Area"). Proceed through the Clallam County park and campground, and in 1 mile come to the trailhead. Water and restrooms available.

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