Dungeness Spit, originally uploaded by Blue~Canoe.

It is time to anticipate the loveliness of the Olympic Peninsula during autumn. Dungeness Spit is incredible any time of year, under blue skies or enshrouded in fog and mist.

Dungeness Spit Lighthouse

Everyone should visit the Dungeness Spit – the world’s longest natural sand spit – at least once in their lives. When you walk out along this narrow stretch of land, you feel like you are walking on water. Stretching almost five miles out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit affords jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains, which tower thousands of feet above sea level. The southern half of the Spit is a National Wildlife Refuge; sheltered from the rough waves and wind, its quiet bay and tide flats are a sanctuary for migrating shorebirds and a nursery for young salmon and steelhead.

Visitors must hike about a half a mile through peaceful woods to access the beach. Once there, you may settle down among the driftwood or head out towards the Lighthouse. Should you decide to walk the 4.5 miles out to the point, you will not be disappointed. The New Dungeness Light Station is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Northwest and has been in continuous operation since its completion in 1857.

As told in the Dungeness Spit website, “The Light Station is maintained and operated by the New Dungeness Light Station Association.” People from all over the country have become members, which grants them the opportunity to become lighthouse keepers. Keepers spend a week in the cottage by the lighthouse, help with maintenance, and give tours to the hardy few who make the trek out to it.

The Refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is a great place to visit any time of year, during the blustery days of winter or the sunny Sequim summer days.

IMG_4506, originally uploaded by meyer.iv.

Dungeness Spit, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Peninsula create a spectacular background for a silhouette.

dungeness spit 011809 077, originally uploaded by wildcelticrose.

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