Walk along the Dungeness Spit to a lighthouse!
The Dungeness Spit is a 15 minute drive north of the township of Sequim, in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
There's a 0.5 mile bluff trail (one-way) to two overlooks, with magnificent views of Dungeness Spit. This part of the trail is relatively flat, and takes roughly 35 minutes to get to the overlooks.
If you're feeling more energetic, follow the steep trail down to the beach, and continue another 5-miles along the Dungeness Spit (one-way). At the end of the spit you can see the New Dungeness Lighthouse, with daily tours to the top of the lighthouse. Always check tide tables and weather before venturing out along the spit, and never turn your back to the ocean.
There's a small entrance fee to the Dungeness National Wildlife Reserve, but the lighthouse is free to visit. Dogs are not allowed.
You can camp at the nearby Dungeness Recreation Area or book a hotel room at Port Angeles, Port Townsend or Sequim. You might also wish to combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Olympic National Park.
Photos of the trail to the Dungeness Spit
This is the sign at the entrance to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, on the Voice of America Road. There's also a recreation area owned by Clallam County known as the Dungeness Recreation Area that runs campsites.
Continue 0.5 miles along the road, to reach an entrance station to the Dungeness National Wildlife Reserve, where you will pay a small fee.
After paying the entrance fee, drive to the large parking lot at the trailhead to the Dungeness Spit.
This is the large parking lot at the trailhead to the Dungeness Spit, that also has restrooms.
There's a shelter at the entrance to the trailhead, with information on the abundant seabirds and harbor seals at the Dungeness Spit. President Woodrow Wilson established the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge in 2015, to protect this wildlife.
The blufftop trail is 0.5-miles long, and takes you to two overlooks with incredible views of the Dungeness Spit.
This is the first overlook.
There's lots of seating at the first overlook, and a telescope to look at the Dungeness Spit.
Here's the telescope at the first overlook.
Check out those amazing views of the Dungeness Spit! It was formed 5,000 years ago, when an ice sheet retreated.
Continue down the trail to the second overlook.
The second overlook provides an even closer look at the Dungeness Spit.
The Dungeness Spit is the longest spit in America!
A steep path leads from the second overlook on the bluff, down to the beach. Once you reach the beach, it's a 5-mile walk along the Dungeness Spit to the lighthouse.
Can you see the New Dungeness Lighthouse at the end of the spit? It was first lit in 1857, then automated in 1976.
Tours are available at the New Dungeness Lighthouse. You can even sign up for a Lighthouse Keeper's Program, where you spend one week at the lighthouse!
5 best things to do at Dungeness Spit
1. Walk 5-miles along the Dungeness Spit to the lighthouse.
2. Climb the 74 steps to the top of the New Dungeness Lighthouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca!
3. Tour the lighthouse. Volunteer Lighthouse Keepers conduct daily tours of the lighthouse for visitors. There's also a small museum with exhibits. Check hours.
4. Enjoy a picnic on the lawns of the lighthouse. Sit on the lawned area outside the lighthouse, with a drinking fountain, picnic tables, lawned area and restrooms.
5. Stay overnight at the New Dungeness Lighthouse. Sign up for the lighthouse keeper's program where you can spend a week at the New Dungeness Lighthouse. What an incredible experience!
What's worth visiting near the Dungeness Spit Lighthouse?
- Olympic Game Farm - 2 miles South
- Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm - 16 miles south
- Port Townsend - 38 miles east
- Fort Worden - 39 miles east
- Lake Crescent - 42 miles SW
- Hurricane Ridge - 39 miles west
- Port Gamble - 44 miles southeast
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