Dungeness Spit

Destination

New Dungeness Lighthouse at the end of the Spit

Notes

Dungeness Spit is a natural sliver of sand that stretches into the Straight of Juan de Fuca. The spit is 5 miles long and growing - about 15 feet per year. The lighthouse is 4.5 miles out. When the lighthouse was built in 1857, it was at the end of the spit.

The walking can be tough when high tide pushes you up on the round rocks and driftwood near the spit's crest. Tides and weather should be taken into consideration when doing this hike. Although Dungeness Spit does not get a large amount of rainfall, the winds can be bracing.

Dungeness Spit is a shared area in that it has the recreation area for hiking on the north side and a wildlife refuge on the south side. People are prohibited on the sheltered south side of the spit where nesting birds and other animals won't be disturbed. However, even on the north side of the spit, you may see harbor seals basking in the sun on the beach. Be sure to give them a wide berth.

The Spit offers great views of the surrounding area. On clear days, Mount Baker looms in the north east. Just before heading out of the forest onto the spit itself is a viewpoint of Mount Baker and the lighthouse and is a spot where many photos are taken. Sadly, the last time I was there, I forgot the camera in the car and didn't head back to get it. Hurricane and Klahane Ridges in the Olympic National Park offer a southern backdrop. Directly across the Straight, you can spot Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island.

For those who make it to the lighthouse you'll find a spot to take a rest and eat lunch/snack on the manicured lawn of the lighthouse station. You can also take part in a tour of the 63-foot tower offered by volunteers from a local chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society who happily explain its storied past.

The trek back allows you to go head-on with the prevailing west winds. Plan for about a six-hour trek round-trip.

There is a trail fee and envelopes are available at the trailhead. You can also find free color maps available near the pay station showing hiking paths and listing the refuge rules.

For those interested in staying at the lighthouse, contact the New Dungeness Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society at 360.683.9166