Dungeness

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Dungeness In Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s longest natural sand spits softens the rough sea waves to form a shallow, quiet bay and harbor rich in marine life. These calm waters and tideflats provide wildlife protection from winds and pounding surf and a place to rest and feed. Eelgrass beds supply food for large flocks of brant and create a nursery for young salmon and steelhead. Refuge tideflats teem with migrating shorebirds in spring and fall while an impressive diversity of waterfowl congregate in the tranquil waters throughout the winter. DUNGE N ES SR IVE R National Wildlife Refuge A Haven for Wildlife A Place for Wildlife and People Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, one in a system of National Wildlife Refuges throughout the country, protects critical habitat for wildlife and provides viewing opportunities for people. To ensure that wildlife continue to have a place to rest and feed, some recreational activities are allowed only in selected areas during certain times of the year. Portions of the Refuge are closed for public safety and to provide sanctuary for wildlife during critical feeding, resting, and nesting times. Visit the Refuge during different seasons to see the variety of wildlife that use Refuge habitats. Guide to Refuge Activities and Regulations Location West of Sequim on Highway 101, turn north on Kitchen-Dick Road. Continue 3 miles to Voice of America Road. Pass through the Dungeness Recreation Area to reach the Refuge parking lot. Hours The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entrance Fees $3.00 daily entrance fee covers up to 4 adults (16 and older). Children under 16 enter free. Refuge Annual Pass, Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior or Golden Age Pass, Access or Golden Access Pass, Military Pass, Volunteer Pass, and a Federal Duck Stamp also admit family or group (up to 4 adults). Hiking Trails An easy 1/2 mile trail takes visitors through the forest to an overlook on the bluff above Dungeness Spit. The trail continues down a steep hill to the Spit and becomes a 5 mile beach walk to the lighthouse (11 miles round trip). Please stay on designated trails (main or primitive trail) as the upland forest is otherwise closed to public entry to protect wildlife. The bluff areas are unstable and extremely hazardous. They are closed to the public. Boating From May 15 to September 30, boating (no wake) is allowed up to the 100-yard buffer. Refuge waters are closed to boating from October 1 to May 14. Boating Access Public boat launches are located off-Refuge on Cline Spit and the Dungeness Landing which can be accessed from Marine Drive. Boats may land only at the designated landing site directly south of the New Dungeness Light Station from 9am to 5pm. Advance reservations required; call 360/457 8451. Fishing and Shellfishing Beach Use The Strait side of Dungeness Spit is open to saltwater fishing year-round, except for the area beyond the lighthouse. Tidelands in Dungeness Bay and Harbor, excluding closed areas shown on Refuge maps, are open to shellfishing May 15 to Sept. 30. Access east and west of Graveyard Spit is by boat only. Washington State fishing regulations and health closures apply. All oysters are privately owned and may not be harvested. Hiking, wildlife observation and photography, and fishing are allowed in the green zone year round. Jogging is allowed only on the west beach adjacent to the bluffs west of Dungeness Spit. Closed Areas (Year-Round) Graveyard Spit, portions of Dungeness Spit, a 100-yard buffer zone around these areas, and all bluff areas are closed to public entry. Prohibited Activities To minimize disturbance to wildlife, some uses are not allowed including, but not limited to: jet skiing and wind-surfing on Refuge waters, pets, hunting, bicycling, kite flying, flying machines, ball-playing, Frisbees, fires, camping, and disturbing or removing any resources from the Refuge (except for fish and shellfish during designated seasons). Marine Mammals Harbor seals and their pups rest on Refuge shores and should not be approached or disturbed. They are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Camping No camping is allowed on the Refuge. For information on camping call the Dungeness Recreation Area, 360/683 5847. Lighthouse Tours Daily tours of the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse are offered from 9am to 5pm by volunteers of the New Dungeness Light Station Association. Accessibility Visitors should examine their own abilities and limitations before visiting the Refuge. Consult tides for hiking conditions. Contact the Refuge office for suggestions on using the area safely. Volunteer Program Dungeness Refuge has an active program of volunteers helping with public information, education, maintenance, and wildlife protection. If you would like to become involved, call the Refuge office. For more information, contact: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge 715 Holgerson Road Sequim, Washington 98382 360/457 8451 http://www.fws.gov/washingtonmaritime/dungeness No person shall, on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental restrictions, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the Department of the Interior. RF 13531 July 2019