The Dungeness Spit, located just north of Sequim, is a not to be missed place on your visit to the Olympic Peninsula! This unique area is the longest natural spit of sandy beach in the nation that juts out over 5 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The spit lies within the larger Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and was originally established as a resting and wintering stop for many migrating birds that pass through each year.
It is a ideal place to spot many bird species because of the calm waters and tide flats here that provide rich marine food. The area is also protected from high winds and pounding surf. Grab your binoculars and head out to the beach!
Let our Sequim lodging be your perfect getaway this spring! As you explore all there is to do and see on the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you have a quiet, safe, peaceful, and cozy place to come back to. Located on the shores of Dungeness Bay, each of our cottage units has a spectacular view of the surrounding natural landscape. Set in the middle of the Olympic mountains, serene pastureland, and the tranquil ocean waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, our Washington bed and breakfast is the ultimate place to escape to. If you want the best home away from home this spring, book your stay with us today!
Dungeness Spit Spring Birdwatching
The impressive Dungeness Spit is a spectacular place to explore while visiting the Olympic Peninsula. From hiking, to beachcombing to checking out the wildlife that pass through here, this sand spit offers a variety of ways to experience the natural world at its best. The diverse habitats in the Dungeness Recreation Area attract a wide variety of birds each year. More than 250 different species of birds have been noted as passing through the area here.
The Dungeness Spit serves as an important stop for many birds during migration and has been named an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA). If you are wondering whether or not to come check out this incredible spot, here are 5 reasons why the Dungeness Spit is the perfect place for birdwatching this spring!
- The 5 mile long sand spit attracts many shorebirds that feed in the extensive low tide zones here. The unique feature of the spit allows a breathtaking open view to spot birds from far away. From out on the Dungeness Spit you can see loons, grebes, auklets, murrelets, harlequinn ducks, comorants, sand pipers, oystercatchers, bald eagles, and much more!
- The adjacent forests and trails that make up the Dungeness Recreation Area just next to the Dungeness Spit is a great place to see even more species of birds that pass through on their spring migration. Species like sparrows, juncos, towhees, and wrens all depend on the open grasslands, shrubs, and 2nd growth forest here where there is great nesting habitat.
- The Dungeness Spit is included in an area named an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. This location contains the Dungeness Bay, The Dungeness River, adjacent wetlands and sand flats. The waters just off the spit have some of the largest eel grass beds in the northwest that attract waterfowl such as Brant, a small sea goose this place is known for.
- There are an incredible diversity of bird species that pass through the Dungeness Spit area. Waterfowl such as American wigeon, harlequin duck, and Brant feed on the waters of the bay. Shorebirds like dunlins, sandpipers and sanderlings roost and feed in the refuge’s nearshore habitats while migrating in the spring. Seabirds include scoters, pigeon guillemot, caspian tern, and cormorants. Look for birds of prey like the bald eagle and the rare snowy owl perched atop driftwood.
- The Dungeness spit is a great place for birdwatching this spring because you can do other activities while looking for species on your life list. The spit itself extends down 5 miles and ends at the New Dungeness Lighthouse. You can hike down the length of the spit to the historic and picturesque lighthouse.
The Best Sequim Lodging
Let our beachfront cottages be the perfect place for you to escape to this spring! Our Sequim lodging is set up to be your home away from home with your ultimate comfort in mind. The cozy and quiet accommodations we offer include amenities such as a full kitchen or kitchenette, seating areas, incredible views out your window, a private beach to hang out on, and much more. You’ll feel as if you have stepped into your own private beach house.
Cuddle up next to the firepit on a clear night to stargaze. We have bikes, kayaks and paddle boards for more ways to explore. We also offer 4 unique vacation homes for groups or if you are looking for even more seclusion. These homes are scattered around the Olympic Peninsula in locations such as, Hood Canal, Port Angeles, and overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. If you want the best place to have an unforgettable vacation at, book your stay with us today!
