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!

On Suday Dec,17th my wife and I walked about half way out to the lighthouse on the Dungeness Spit. We were shocked! It was hard to believe the extent of the damage to the Spit.In at least 12 places the action from last weeks storm allowed waves to wash thru the shingle and beach log barrier.Our walk was just at high tide and at a couple of locations water from the Strait flowed into the Bay.Even without a ""super storm"" like we just experienced I could see the Spit becoming a chain of islands..

The walk along the Dungeness Spit is long but rewarding for the wildlife and views of the Olympics and Strait of Juan de Fuca. The trail starts out with a $3.00 entry fee per party to the area, followed by a 1/2 mile forest trail to the spit and then 4.5 or 5 miles of beach to the light house.

Seals like the area and we heard some but did not see them this trip, although we have had them follow us to the lighthouse on past excursions.

The beach is marked with mileage signs to help guide the novice to an idea of how far it is to the light house and the turn around point.

Tom and I made it to Graveyard Spit, about 1 to 1.5 miles from the lighthouse before turning around. The day was great, with temperatures in the mid 60's and sunny. Walking on the spit requires some patience as the sand and gravel slides making the walk more challenging than it appears at first.

For additional details on the area check out “www.visitsun.com/dungeness” for a map and other information on the hike.

My younger (23) daughter and I had breakfast at The Oak Table in Sequim, then headed for Dungeness Spit to burn off those calories. Left the car at 10:20AM and made it to the lighthouse at 11:54AM. Incredible weather, scenery and company. It's always a joy to hike with one of my girls.