Dungeness Spit / National Wildlife Refuge
Hike the Dungeness Spit - Visit the New Dungeness Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge
Stretching into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit measures 5.5 miles and is the longest natural sand spit in the nation. The Dungeness Spit is part of the
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife. These calm waters and tide flats are rich in marine life and provide protection from winds and pounding surf. They provide a place to rest and a source of food to a large variety of wildlife so remember your binoculars. More than 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals, and eight species of marine mammals have been recorded at the refuge including several that are threatened or endangered.
New Dungeness Lighthouse
At the tip of the spit sits the
New Dungeness Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the Northwest operating continuously since 1857. Although the last lighthouse keeper was withdrawn in 1994, the lighthouse is maintained by the New Dungeness Chapter of the United Lighthouse Society. Tours are available. Check the tide reports before you leave for the hike, as high tides can make it difficult to reach the tip.