The Dungeness Spit near Sequim Washington is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Part of the National Wildlife Refuge, this natural sand spit is a haven for wildlife and birds. It stretches into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and provides a place to explore miles of sandy beach, look for shorebirds, or just sit, relax and watch the waves crash onto the shore. A visit to this unique landform is sure to be a highlight of time spent here.
After a day of hiking and exploration of the Dungeness Spit come back to your very own waterfront retreat. Enjoy walking out onto your own private beach overlooking Dungeness Bay and the surrounding mountains of the Olympic Peninsula. Soak in the serenity and the summer sun and let your cares melt away at our Washington getaway. If you are ready for the perfect waterfront escape this summer, book your stay today!
Things to do at The Dungeness Spit This Summer
The Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the nation. This impressive 5.5-mile landform provides many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Whether it’s hiking, birding, beachcombing, or having a picnic, spending time in this special ecosystem will be a memorable experience. Wondering about all there is to do at the spit? Here is our list of 7 things to do at the Dungeness Spit this summer.
- The Dungeness Spit lies within the larger Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Because of this, the area is a sanctuary for about 250 species of birds that use this important habitat. Bring your binoculars as birding is a popular activity here. You’ll see waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds, and birds of prey.
- Hiking down the Dungeness Spit is a great workout as you’ll mostly be walking through the sand that makes up the spit. Choose to do the 5.5-mile one-way hike down or do more of a leisurely stroll down the beach. You can’t go wrong when you are surrounded by such beauty on the Olympic Peninsula!
- If you choose to do the whole 5.5 miles down the beach you’ll be rewarded by seeing the New Dungeness Lighthouse at the end of your journey. Volunteer keepers are there to provide guided tours of the museum and tower. Learn about the history of the lighthouse and the Dungeness Spit.
- Order some takeout from one of the many cafes and restaurants in Sequim and bring it to the spit for a delicious picnic. Just be sure to practice LNT (leave no trace) when you leave as this is a wildlife refuge dedicated to preserving and protecting this fragile ecosystem.
- With so much sun the area gets, the sunsets on the Dungeness Spit are incredible. The saturated colors of the ecosystems and habitats are a photog’s dream come true. Don’t forget your camera as photography is a popular pastime by visitors and locals alike.
- As you walk along the sandy beach you may be tempted to be looking up at the jaw-dropping scenery but glancing down every now and then, you may spot a treasure from the ocean. Beachcombing is a calming and relaxing way of getting immersed in a place. Here on the Dungeness Spit, you’ll find worn rocks tossed around in the water and shells of creatures who used to inhabit them. You may also turn over some larger rocks and find crabs crawling around underneath.
- Along with birds, the Dungeness Spit is home to marine and land mammals to spot. Lookout for harbor seals playfully swimming near the shore. Occasionally orca whales and northern elephant seals have been seen either in the water or on shore. You’ll hear the Douglas Squirrel chirping from the forest on your way down and will no doubt see one of many black-tailed deer either amongst the trees even down on the beach!
The Best Sequim Lodging
Exploring the Dungeness Spit is an excellent way to spend a summer day on the Olympic Peninsula. After a day in sand and sun, you may be needing a relaxing and cozy place to rest up. Dungeness Bay Cottages offer 6 cottages set up with your comfort in mind. You can prepare your own meals in your private kitchen and enjoy eating out on your picnic table with views of the mountains and strait.
If you have a larger group we have 4 vacation homes available in Sequim and surrounding communities. These various styles of homes overlook water, forests, and have views of the mountains. Come on over to the Olympic Peninsula to an unforgettable vacation retreat this summer. Book your stay today!
