
Dungeness Spit
Hike the longest natural sand spit in North America to a historic lighthouse, a unique wildlife refuge.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Dungeness Spit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the longest natural sand spit in North America to a historic lighthouse, a unique wildlife refuge.
"A natural wonder and a beautiful beach hike, well worth the effort!"

👟 Wear appropriate footwear
Sand can be tiring! Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must for the 5.5-mile trek to the lighthouse .
💧 Pack plenty of water
Crucial for the long hike. There are no services once you're on the spit .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Dungeness Lighthouse
End of Dungeness Spit
The iconic lighthouse at the end of the spit offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment after the long hike.

The Natural Sand Spit
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
Walk along the longest natural sand spit in North America, a unique geological formation teeming with birdlife.

Coastal Birdwatching
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
Observe a variety of shorebirds and migratory species in their natural habitat along the spit and its protected waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Long Trek
Respect the Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear appropriate footwear
Sand can be tiring! Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must for the 5.5-mile trek to the lighthouse.
💧 Pack plenty of water
Crucial for the long hike. There are no services once you're on the spit.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially on sunny days.
⏰ Allow ample time
The 11-mile round trip can take 4-5 hours, plus time for lighthouse tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear appropriate footwear
Sand can be tiring! Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must for the 5.5-mile trek to the lighthouse.
💧 Pack plenty of water
Crucial for the long hike. There are no services once you're on the spit.
☀️ Sun protection is key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially on sunny days.
⏰ Allow ample time
The 11-mile round trip can take 4-5 hours, plus time for lighthouse tours.
🐦 Respect wildlife
Stay on trails to protect bird habitats. The spit is a National Wildlife Refuge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dungeness Spit's natural beauty and the rewarding hike to the historic lighthouse, often calling it a 'natural wonder.' The low cost and friendly volunteers are frequently praised. However, many caution that the 5.5-mile trek each way can be more strenuous than anticipated, especially with sand and potential headwinds.
"This place is great! Lovely to walk on, very inexpensive when comparing to the cost of visitation other parks in WA, and beautiful all around."
S. Z. (GreenRR)
"This is a natural wonder! This natural spit grows 13’ a year. AMAZING! The volunteers that work there are so friendly and helpful!! Everyone should come out and walk this spit."
Kim Brownlee Personal Trainer
"Took my mother and I around 4.5 hours roundtrip.with lunch and a lighthouse tour. Hand wind to our back on the way out and headwind back was a bit tiring at times. Overall excellent beach hike!"
Tim Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dungeness Spit is located near Sequim, Washington. From Highway 101, take the Sequim exit and follow signs for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. There are parking lots available at the trailhead.
Yes, there are parking lots at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Some visitors suggest parking at the first lot to experience a ridge walk before descending to the spit.
No, vehicles are not allowed on the Dungeness Spit. Access is strictly for pedestrians and hikers.
The initial part of the trail to the overlook is paved and accessible. However, the majority of the hike to the lighthouse is on the beach and can be challenging due to sand and uneven terrain.
Follow the main trail along the waterline. Signage can sometimes be confusing, but generally, stay on the beach side and avoid protected bird nesting areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small day-use fee for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. It's generally inexpensive compared to other Washington parks.
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is typically open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check the official refuge website for any specific closures or seasonal hours.
Camping is not permitted directly on the Dungeness Spit itself. However, there are campgrounds nearby, including the Dungeness Spit Campground and other options in the Sequim area.
Yes, there is a day-use fee for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. This fee helps support the maintenance and conservation of the area.
Yes, lighthouse tours are often available, but they are dependent on volunteer availability. Check the New Dungeness Light Station Association website for tour schedules and information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the lighthouse is 5.5 miles one way, making it an 11-mile round trip. It can take approximately 4-5 hours, including time for a lighthouse tour.
You'll see the longest natural sand spit in North America, the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse, diverse birdlife, and expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to the distance and walking on sand. The return trip can be more challenging with a headwind.
Pit toilets are available at the trailhead parking areas. There are no facilities once you are on the spit itself.
Dogs are generally not allowed on the Dungeness Spit itself to protect wildlife. They may be permitted in certain areas of the refuge, but always check current regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse at the end of the spit is a prime subject. The expansive beach, the unique spit formation, and the wildlife offer numerous photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the unique landscape still provides great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the spit and lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
General photography is allowed. However, be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing nesting areas. Drone usage may be restricted within the National Wildlife Refuge.
Capture the spit's curvature, the lighthouse against the sea, and the diverse bird species. The changing tides also create interesting photographic elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Epic Hike to the Lighthouse
Despite the demanding nature of the hike, the reward is immense. Reaching the historic lighthouse, one of the oldest on the West Coast, is a significant accomplishment. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque landmark, and the panoramic views from its end are breathtaking. Some visitors opt for lighthouse tours, which are often led by dedicated volunteers and offer a glimpse into its history. The experience is often described as a 'natural wonder' and a 'beautiful beach hike' that is well worth the effort.
A Haven for Wildlife
It's crucial for visitors to understand their role in protecting this delicate ecosystem. The refuge designation means that respecting wildlife and staying on marked trails is paramount. Certain areas may be temporarily closed to protect nesting birds, and it's important to heed all signage. The spit itself is a dynamic natural formation, constantly shaped by wind and waves, which contributes to its unique ecological value. Understanding that the spit is growing at an impressive rate of over 15 feet per year adds to the awe of this natural phenomenon.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit