DungenessNational Wildlife Refuge - Washington |
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is located near the town of Sequim in Clallam County, Washington, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The refuge includes Dungeness Spit, Graveyard Spit, and portions of Dungeness Bay and Harbor. Dungeness Spit is one of the world's longest natural sand spits, 6.8 miles (10.9 km) long and very narrow. A lighthouse, the New Dungeness Light, built in 1857, is located near the end of the spit. Access to Dungeness Spit is through a Clallam County Park which has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground.
Dungeness is one of six refuges in the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
featured in
Washington Pocket Maps |
location
maps
Olympic - Visitor Map
Official Visitor Map of Olympic National Park (NP) in Washington. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Washington State - Highway Map
Map of Washington State Highways / Tourist Map. Published by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
brochures
Dungeness - Brochure
Brochure of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Washington. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Dungeness - Tearsheet
Tearsheet of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Washington. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Dungeness - Wildlife
Wildlife at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Washington. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Dungeness NWR
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/dungeness/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeness_National_Wildlife_Refuge
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is located near the town of Sequim in Clallam County, Washington, on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The refuge includes Dungeness Spit, Graveyard Spit, and portions of Dungeness Bay and Harbor. Dungeness Spit is one of the world's longest natural sand spits, 6.8 miles (10.9 km) long and very narrow. A lighthouse, the New Dungeness Light, built in 1857, is located near the end of the spit. Access to Dungeness Spit is through a Clallam County Park which has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground.
Dungeness is one of six refuges in the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Dungeness
National Wildlife
Refuge
“In every outthrust
headland, in every
curving beach, in
every grain of sand
there is a story of
the earth.”
Heerman’s gulls
©Dow Lambert
— Rachel Carson
Introduction
The “Blue Goose,”
designed by J.N.
“Ding” Darling,
has become the
symbol of the
National Wildlife
Refuge System.
At Dungeness National Wildlife
Refuge one of the world’s longest
natural sand spits softens the rough
sea waves to form a tranquil bay,
fertile tideflats, and beaches of sand
and gravel. Here wildlife find food,
a place to rest, and protection from
winds and pounding surf. Recognizing
the area’s importance to wildlife,
President Woodrow Wilson declared
Dungeness Spit and its surrounding
waters a National Wildlife Refuge
in 1915.
Dungeness is one of over 500 refuges
in the National Wildlife Refuge
System. A network of lands set aside
specifically for wildlife, the System is
our living heritage, conserving wildlife
and habitat for generations to come.
Activities
Dungeness NWR is open to the
public year-round. Hiking, wildlife
watching, and photography are
popular activities on the Refuge.
Some areas are closed seasonally
or permanently to protect sensitive
species.
Location
West of Sequim on Highway 101,
turn north on Kitchen-Dick Road.
Continue 3 miles to Dungeness
County Recreation Area. Pass
through the recreation area to reach
the Refuge parking lot.
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness NWR
WASHINGTON
Dungeness
Rec. Area
Lotzgesell
Road
KitchenDick Rd.
SEQUIM
To Port Angeles
0
Dungeness Spit
©Long Bach Nguyen
1
2
101
3 MILES
To Port Townsend
History of the Refuge
The Market
Hunting Era
S’Klallam people digging clams.
Ornithologist Walter Taylor
reported, “During the months of
November and December, 1913,
and January and February, 1914,
no less than 3,000 black brants
are reported to have been killed
in the vicinity of Smith Island
[20 miles from Dungeness] by
hunters who pursued them by
the use of power boats, most of
the birds being killed in the kelp
beds offshore.”
©North Olympic Library, Bert Kellogg Collection
Traditional
S’Klallam Use
A Beacon for
Mariners
The New
Dungeness
Lighthouse
USFWS
For thousands of years S’Klallam
people visited Dungeness Spit to
gather shellfish, hunt waterfowl,
and bury their dead. In 1872 the
S’Klallam were forced from their
villages along the Dungeness River
by Euro-American homesteaders
and spent a difficult year living on
the Spit. In 1875 they bought 222
acres to establish the settlement of
Jamestown east of the Dungeness
River. The tribe secured Federal
recognition in 1980.
On December 14, 1857 the New
Dungeness Lighthouse became the
first operational light in the Salish
Sea. The lighthouse was 100 feet
tall at first, but was lowered to 63
feet in 1927 because of
cracking in the tower.
Originally equipped with
an oil-burning light and
a bell, these signals were
progressively replaced
with newer technology
and power sources. The
lighthouse was placed
on the National Register
of Historic Places in
1993. Today visitors may hike to the
lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking
views from the signal tower.
Many people depended on the rich
bounty of fish, shellfish, and waterfowl
in the waters surrounding Dungeness
Spit for their livelihood. In the late
1800s and early 1900s, this was a
prime area for waterfowl hunters
who supplied restaurants in Seattle.
A new invention — the power
boat — allowed these “market”
hunters easy access to flocks of
brant that wintered in the area.
Crabbing on
Dungeness Bay,
ca. 1900.
©North Olympic Library,
Bert Kellogg Collection
Public concern over rapidly dwindling
numbers of geese and ducks led to the
establishment of Dungeness NWR
in 1915.
Habitats of the Refuge
The Power of
Erosion
About 10,000 years ago, melting
glaciers left thick deposits of sand and
gravel along this shoreline. As waves
carved steep bluffs from these
deposits the material was gradually
pushed north and east from the
headland, creating Dungeness Spit.
Weather and waves continue to erode
away the bluffs feeding the five-milelong Spit, causing it to lengthen about
13 feet (4.4m) per year.
Western sandpiper
©Dow Lambert
Dungeness Harbor and Bay
Protected from heavy surf and
fertilized by nutrients washing down
from the land above, Dungeness Bay
and Harbor teem with fish and
invertebrates. Eelgrass beds in the
Bay provide food for brant, and a
nursery for young Dungeness crab,
flounder, salmon, steelhead, and
cutthroat trout. In winter, flocks of
waterfowl, loons, and grebes find food
and shelter here.
Dungeness Spit and the bluffs
overlooking it create a variety of
habitats that are home to 244 bird
species, 18 types of land mammals,
and 11 marine mammal species.
Refuge Diversity
Bald eagle
Peter Davis/USFWS
Forest and Bluffs
On the bluffs above the Spit,
coniferous forests host black-tailed
deer, songbirds, and raptors. Tree
snags are convenient lookouts for
bald eagles. The bluffs are home to
pigeon gui
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
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Dungeness
National Wildlife
Refuge
Watchable Wildlife
Introduction
Home for Wildlife
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
was set aside by executive order
in 1915 as a refuge, preserve, and
breeding ground for native birds.
Located in the northwest corner of
Washington State on the Salish Sea,
approximately 60 miles northwest of
Seattle, it offers a diversified habitat
of sand beaches, protected bay
waters, seagrass beds, mudflats, and
forested and grass uplands.
©Guy Monty
Good wildlife viewing opportunities
occur throughout the year on the Refuge.
In winter, the area is important to sea
ducks and other waterfowl who feed
and find storm shelter in the
protected waters of Dungeness Bay.
The Bay remains an
important migration stop
and wintering ground for
brant. Many shorebird
species also feed on the
shorelines and mudflats
during the spring and fall
migrations with a few species
overwintering on the Refuge.
Bald eagles and other raptors
are commonly seen year
round on the Refuge.
Harlequin duck
Brant. ©Guy Monty
Summer brings nesting songbirds to
the forested and grass uplands and on
to the spits. Often visitors see harbor
seals swimming in the marine waters
and hauling out on shore to rest and
nurse their pups within the protection
of the Refuge boundaries. Visitors have
also spotted other marine mammals,
such as orca and minke whales, in the
Refuge waters.
About this
Checklist
The following fish and wildlife species
list includes 244 species of birds, 29
species of mammals, 8 species of
reptiles and amphibians, and 26 species
of fish that are found on the Refuge.
Since most birds are migratory, their
seasonal occurrence and abundance, as
well as associated habitats are coded.
The list was prepared with the
assistance of Bob Boekelheide, Rod
Norvell and other knowledgeable
birders. If you see something rare or
unusual, please share the information
with the Refuge biologist. We will
periodically update this checklist with
new information and we welcome your
wildlife sightings on the Refuge.
Bird species are listed according to
the seventh edition (1998) American
Ornithologists’ Union checklist and
the 52nd supplement to that checklist
(August 2011). Symbols used in this list
are defined on the following page.
Wildlife List Key
Wildlife Watching Tips
Seasons
Sp
S
F
W
-
Spring (March-May)
Summer (June-July)
Fall (August-November)
Winter (December-February)
Patience and
Magnification
Viewing marine birds can be
challenging. At first glance the
waters appear empty, but slowly
scan the area with binoculars or a
scope for a closer look.
Seasonal
Abundance
a
- abundant – occurring in large
numbers in proper habitat
- common – likely to be seen or
heard in proper habitat
- uncommon – present, but not
certain to be seen
- occasional – present only a
few times a season, but may
be more common in habitat
adjacent to the Refuge
- rare – may be present but not
every year
- irruptive – occurs in large
numbers some years, but is
absent in others
- hypothetical – within normal
range, but not recently
documented
- accidental – outside of normal
range
Natural Blinds
Some areas are closed to public entry
to provide wildlife sanctuary. Watch
for closed area signs and stay to the
north, or strait-side, as you view
wildlife from the cover of driftwood.
Nature's
Soundtrack
Walk quietly in designated areas,
being aware of sounds. Teach
children quiet observation. Other
wildlife watchers will appreciate
your consideration.
Super Sleuthing
Be aware of animal sounds, smells,
and signs. Tracks, scat, feathers, and
nests left behind tell interesting stories.
Wild Diets
Don’t share your food. Your lunch
could disrupt wild digestive systems.
Family Ties
Leave all young animals alone. A
parent is probably close by waiting
for you to leave.
c
u
o
r
i
h
x
A symbol (*) precedes species known
to nest or breed on the Refuge.
Threatened or endangered species
are preceded by (✔) symbol.
The “H” column lists the habitat
types that are found on the Refuge
in which the listed bird species can
be found. The habitat codes are as
follows:
f
g
h
m
s
t
b
o
-
mixed coniferous/deciduous forest
grassland
hedges/shrubs
marsh/pond
sand spit/strand
tideflats/open mudflats
bay marine
open marine
Bufflehead
Peter Davis/USFWS
Habitat
Birds of Dungeness NWR
Common Name
Common Name
Habitat Sp S
F
W
Loons
Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Common Loon
Yellow-billed Loon
ob
ob
ob
ob
u
c
c
r
u
c
c
r
c
c
c
r
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
mb
ob
ob
ob
ob
o
c
c
o
u
o
c
c
o
u
o
c
c
o
u
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
Fulmars, Petrels and Shearwaters
Northern Fulmar
o
Sooty Shearwater
o
Short-tailed Shearwater
o
Storm-Petrels
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
o
o
Pelicans
Brown Pelican
ob
Cormorants
Brandt’s Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
ob
bo
bo
Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Green