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23 · Sequim

Dungeness Spit

Sand spit, bluff forest, harbor

Five and a half miles of sand thrown out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca — the longest natural sand spit in the country, and a full day's commitment. Harbor on one side, open strait on the other, birds on both, and a lighthouse at the end to justify the walk back.

Effort Strenuous · 11 mi round trip Half a mile of forest down to the beach, then five miles of soft sand and cobble each way.
When to go Falling tide, all day, and start early. Any season rewards it; winter is best for sea ducks.
Access $3 per family/group, daily (federal passes accepted). Dungeness Recreation Area lot. No dogs. Directions eBird hotspot

Birds by season

Curated highlights · the current season is marked

Spring

  • Brant
  • Caspian Tern
  • Whimbrel
  • Bonaparte’s Gull

Brant and whimbrel stage along the spit.

Summer

  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Osprey
  • Heermann’s Gull

Auklets and guillemots in the strait.

Fall

  • Red-necked Grebe
  • Parasitic Jaeger
  • Sanderling
  • Pacific Loon

Jaegers and grebes from the outer spit.

Winter

  • Long-tailed Duck
  • Harlequin Duck
  • Ancient Murrelet
  • Black Scoter

Long-tailed and harlequin ducks in the harbor.

Reported here in the last 30 days

● Live from eBird

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Sources

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Live sighting data from eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology · Location research: Washington Trails Association, Eastside Audubon, Birds Connect Seattle, Washington Ornithological Society, Birdful · Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors