Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
Washington · United States
Though not officially situated within the national park, Dungeness Spit is something of an oddity and well worth checking out. Extending 5 narrow miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this is the world's longest sandspit and it continues to grow by about 14 feet each year. You can walk the entire length if you wish - your reward is a lighthouse - but it's not necessary to get the idea and novelty of this environment. The spit also acts as a refuge, birdlife is abundant - 90 bird species are known to nest here. And watch for harbor seals, orcas and minke whales in the water. They can be hard to spot, but there's lots of small mammals - especially rodents - and you may also see deer and skunks.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a remarkable ecological sanctuary situated on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. We begin our scholarly journey here, at the threshold of one of the longest natural sand…
Listen in the app2The Forested Bluff Trail
We now walk along the forested bluff trail, a path that meanders through a delicate transitional ecosystem. Notice the large, wind-swept trees leaning uniformly inward toward the land. …
Listen in the app3The Overlook of the Strait
Standing at this elevated vantage point, we are granted a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This massive body of water serves as a vital marine highway connecting the Puget Sound to the vast Pacific…
Listen in the app4Descending to the Marine Environment
We now begin our gradual descent from the high bluffs down toward sea level. You will immediately notice a distinct drop in ambient temperature as we leave the sheltered forest canopy and expose ourselves directly to the marine…
Listen in the app5The Driftwood Graveyard
We now find ourselves navigating an astonishing natural barrier: the driftwood graveyard. Hundreds of massive, smooth-worn tree trunks are piled chaotically along the high-tide line, forming an impressive organic barricade. …
Listen in the app6Avian and Marine Ecology
As we continue our trek along the hard-packed sand, the true biological richness of the Dungeness Refuge reveals itself. Look toward the water's edge to observe Great Blue Herons stalking with profound, calculated patience, their…
Listen in the app7Approaching the New Dungeness Lighthouse
After several miles of rigorous coastal hiking, a distinct architectural silhouette finally emerges from the maritime haze: the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse. Constructed to guide vessels through the treacherous, fog-bound…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our extended expedition along the Dungeness Spit concludes here at the lighthouse. We have traversed a unique geological feature, witnessed dynamic coastal erosion, and observed a thriving marine ecosystem. …
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What is Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge?
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a place in Washington · United States with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Washington · United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Nature |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 48.1343, -123.1943 |
| Last updated |