Pacific Northwest natives know that there’s no waiting for perfect weather, especially in winter. But when you do have one of those elusive sunny days, you have to take full advantage. That’s what we did last weekend with a road trip to Dungeness Spit in Sequim, Washington. We’d never been there before, but found a place we’ll come back to. It’ makes for’s a great day trip, or if you’re making a drive around the Olympic Peninsula, it would be a great place to camp and explore.
Hiking the Longest Natural Sand Spit in the United States
Beautiful wooded trails with scenic outlooks at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge wind down to the Dungeness Spit, where you can walk the shoreline all the way to the Dungeness Lighthouse. Walking the spit to the lighthouse is a 5-mile trip one way – we didn’t make it that far this trip, we were enjoying the beach too much.
There is an entrance fee of $3.00 per family or per group (up to 4 adults). Children under 16 enter free. Cash or check is accepted, please bring exact change. Refuge Annual Pass, Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior or Golden Age Pass, Access or Golden Access Pass, Military Pass, Volunteer Pass, Every Kid in a Park Pass, or a Federal Duck Stamp also admit a family or group (up to 4 adults). Recreation passes can be purchased in the Refuge office (except duck stamps).
Go to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge website for maps and details. Note, dogs are NOT allowed at the Dungeness Spit / Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
Dungeness Recreation Area
The Dungeness Recreation Area is 216 wooded acres situated next to the Dungeness Spit, with camping, panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (all the way to Victoria, BC!), and trails for hiking, biking or equestrian use. This part of the area is dog-friendly, and the trails were very well maintained to the point that the ones we went on could accommodate a wheelchair. Here’s a link to the overview map.
Camping Near Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
The campsites were level and had a fire pit and nice wooded space between them for privacy. The restrooms that were open during our visit were new, and I guess as good as you get for primitive restrooms.
Day use entrance and parking is free. Go here for camping reservations and area details.
This guide is part of our PNW Road Trips series.
