Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

Dungeness Spit

NPS Photo/E. Goode

Quick Facts

MANAGED BY:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Amenities

7 listed

Information, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, just outside of the town of Sequim, WA, Dungeness Spit offers a haven for wild birds and a historic lighthouse. While it is not a part of Olympic National Park, it is popular with locals and visitors alike for its hiking and bird-watching.

From the refuge: "At Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge one of the world's longest natural sand spits softens the rough sea waves to form a tranquil bay, fertile tideflats, and beaches of sand and gravel. Here wildlife find food, a place to rest, and protection from winds and pounding surf. Recognizing the area's importance to wildlife, President Woodrow Wilson declared Dungeness Spit and its surrounding waters a National Wildlife Refuge in 1915. Dungeness is one of over 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. A network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife, the System is our living heritage, conserving wildlife and habitat for generations to come. Dungeness NWR is open to the public year-round. Hiking, wildlife watching, and photography are popular activities on the Refuge. There is also an adjacent campground, Dungeness Recreation Area, which is managed by Clallam County (click here for campground information). 

"Some areas are closed seasonally or permanently to protect sensitive species. Pets, bicycles, kite flying, frisbees, ball-playing, camping, and fires are not permitted on the Refuge as they are a disturbance for the many migrating birds and other wildlife taking solitude on the Refuge. West of Sequim on Highway 101, turn north on Kitchen-Dick Road. Continue 3 miles (4.8 km) to Dungeness County Recreation Area. Pass through the recreation area to reach the Refuge parking lot."

The refuge is open from 7 a.m. to half an hour before sunset, and closing times are posted daily at the trailhead. There is an entrance fee of $3 per family or group (up to 4 adults), payable by cash or check.