Dungeness Spit

Trip

Day Hike - Dungeness Spit

Experience the best and most unique hike in the Pacific Northwest, hiking through both forest and on a beach to a historic lighthouse, which we can tour and learn about through both indoor and outdoor displays, having lunch at a picnic table with a nice restroom available nearby, while experiencing a variety of marine wildlife enroute. An exceptionally low tide will allow us to have a comfortable beach walk both directions.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 130 ft

Meet at 10 AM at the trailhead, reached by driving west from Sequim on US 101 and turning right at Kitchen-Dick Road, where a large brown sign directs you to Dungeness Recreation Area.  After the first bend to the right of the road, take the first left into Dungeness Recreation Area.  Drive past the booth to the parking lot at the end of the road.  We'll meet at the manned kiosk near the trailhead.  Up to four people in a car displaying a Federal Recreation Pass of some sort do not pay a fee.  Any car without such a pass must pay $3 per car and display the pay stub on the car.  Day passes may be purchased at the kiosk.

The first half mile of this hike is through a forest.  Then the trail drops 130 feet down to the sand spit, where we walk on the spit beach for five miles to the lighthouse.  We return by the same route.  The lighthouse is maintained by volunteers who rotate weekly at low tide.  They enjoy hosting visitors on free tours of the lighthouse.  There are museum exhibits about the history of the lighthouse inside the lighthouse building and story boards providing more information on the grounds surrounding the lighthouse.  At least an hour is available in our schedule to tour the lighthouse and grounds during our lunch break.  There are nice restrooms at the trailhead and the lighthouse, but not elsewhere on the hike.  The hike takes about two hours each direction.  After the hike there will be an optional refreshment stop at the highly-rated Hiway 101 Diner in Sequim, which has a 50's theme, good food and good service.

The leader of this hike will also lead a day hike on Saturday May 5 on Rialto Beach and on Second Beach on Sunday May 6.  Those wanting to participate in all three hikes should check with the leader about carpooling and overnight camping options.

Route/Place

Dungeness Spit


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
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