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

Near 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 Although the last lighthouse keeper was withdrawn in 1994, the lighthouse is now maintained by the New Dungeness Light Station Association. There is a Keeper Program which provides you, your family and friends a rare opportunity to spend a week as a lighthouse keeper at one of the best restored light stations in the country. If you would rather hike to the lighthouse for a fun experience and free tour, check the tide reports before you go as high tides can make it difficult to reach the lighthouse. Whether as a keeper or a hiker, your time will be filled with the sights and sounds of wildlife, surf and marine traffic.