Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

Park Spit wildlife refuge protecting migratory birds and habitat

On the Dungeness Spit near Sequim, Washington, the National Wildlife Refuge protects tidal flats, dunes and migratory birds; visitors come for birdwatching, the spit walk and shoreline photography.

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge sits on and around the Dungeness Spit on the northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, protecting coastal and intertidal habitats important for migratory birds. The refuge includes a long sand spit that projects into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and associated wetlands.

The area was set aside for wildlife protection and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve critical coastal and migratory bird habitat. The lighthouse at the spit tip dates to the mid 19th century and served maritime navigation for vessels entering the strait.

The refuge lies near the town of Sequim on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, facing the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The spit projects northwest from the Dungeness headland and forms the northern rim of Dungeness Bay.

Management and habitat: Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge protects intertidal habitat, salt marsh and the spit itself and is important for shorebirds and migrating waterfowl.
Access and conditions: Access to the spit is by foot along the beach and trail from the Dungeness headland; conditions can be exposed and windy so bring sturdy footwear and windproof clothing.

What to See #

Dungeness Spit: A narrow sand spit stretching approximately 5 miles (about 8 km) from the mainland into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, terminating at a lighthouse and forming sheltered bays on its landward side.
New Dungeness Lighthouse: A brick lighthouse located at the end of the spit, originally lit in the mid 19th century and a prominent navigational landmark at the spit's tip.

How to Get to Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge #

From Sequim, WA, drive north toward the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and the Dungeness Spit parking area off Dungeness Way. The parking lot is the usual access point for walks onto the spit; guided programs depart from the refuge’s visitor facilities.

Tips for Visiting Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge #

Visit the Dungeness Spit early in the day to avoid crowds; tide timing is important-check tide tables when planning a walk to the lighthouse.
Binoculars are essential for birding; the refuge is a major stopover for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
Wear layers-the Strait of Juan de Fuca can be much windier and cooler than inland areas.