I wasn't really feeling the snow today (and it seemed like avalanche danger might be high), so I opted to revisit the Dungeness Spit Hike. The day started out kind of gloomy, but actually turned into a nice sunny day.
Overall, the the hike is a good way to spend a few hours of the day. It can be quite long, and if you go near high-tide, quite difficult. There isn't really any elevation gain (just up/down the hill between the parking lot and the spit itself). I opted to start around 9:30 this morning, while the tide was heading out. I'm glad I caught a later ferry, because it was still a little on the high-side (probably around 6 or 7 ft) - there was a path, but the occasional wave/surge would come up and swamp me. Water proof shoes are highly recommended if you aren't going during a low tide scenario.
In terms of the trail, the "primitive" trail up top is closed due to flooding. However, the main/paved trail is in great shape and works just fine (plus it has the interpretive boards along it, if you want to read about the spit).
For the spit itself, be sure to stay on the north side (the other side is a wildlife refuge). This typically isn't a problem, since there are signs and a rope barrier, typically. However, there are quite a few sections where this is missing. One of the lighthouse keepers mentioned the tide had been high enough that waves/surges were going clean over the spit. There were definitely sections where the usual "high-tide log debris" was completely missing, and you could easily see into the wildlife refuge. All the more reason to be aware of when high tide is!
The lighthouse itself was nice, as always. There were quite a few bald eagles out and about (one keeper said she had counted about 12, and I don't doubt it). I saw a golden eagle on the hike in, and then a bunch of seagulls. The only other wildlife was a small herd of deer that crossed the trail in front of me as I was starting out in the morning.
Just a good, long hike to get the blood going and enjoy the sea air (and sea spray and waves, if you leave too early!).
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