Where: Dungeness Spit (To get there, cross the Hood Canal bridge, take Hwy 101 to the extreme west end of Sequim, turn right on Kitchen-Dick road, follow the signs.)

Distance: 11 miles – 5 miles to the lighthouse, 5 miles back, plus 1/2 mile to/from the parking lot to the trailhead.

Weather: Overcast, but beautiful.

Level: Medium – Easy (4/9)

What was the most fun?
Running through the sand on the way there.
Hiking there.
The beach
Probably going up to the top of the lighthouse because you could see for miles. It was really enjoyable, and gave you a sense of satisfaction after the hike out there.
Hiking in bear feet.
Being up in the Lighthouse

What we did:
Hiked.
Took a tour of the lighthouse.
Talked about and practiced Leave No Trace.
Spent half an hour talking to the ranger about the Preserve.
Learned about the history of the lighthouse.
Walked
Took a horse trail on the way back.
Zach made Jordon do Orienteering on the whole 5 1/2 miles back.
We got to have fun with some of the kelp.
Got to observe a lot of different types of rocks.
We got to see a lot of seals and have fun playing with them.
Walked out on the spit, and sat on driftwood

The most challenging thing:
The 1/2 mile UPhill to the parking lot on the way back.
The walk back.
The trek home.
Nothing

Water Source:
None on the trail, but there is an artesian well at the lighthouse with good water.
Pump at the lighthouse.
Water bottles.

What we saw:
Seals
Driftwood
Lighthouse
Loons
Cormorants
Seagulls
Bull Kelp
Beautiful rocks
Jade
Giant Dungeness Crab shells
Heron
Water
Victoria, B.C.
ATV
Seaweed whips

What I brought:
Water
Ten essentials
Lunch
As little as possible!
GPS

What we learned:
Dungeness Spit is the longest spit in the world.
I needed more water.
Soft, dry sand is harder to walk on than wet sand. Driftwood and rocks are harder to walk on than sand.
Make every effort you can to hike on an overcast (but not rainy) day.
Easy hikes are fun

Suggestions for other people doing this hike:
Check the tide tables here before you go. They’ll tell you the best days for hiking.
Do this one even on your own. It’s worth it.
Wear a good windbreaker.
Watch the tide.

Conclusion:
It was very fun!
This is a fantastic hike! Absolutely beautiful.
It was much easier hiking at low tide.
It didn’t feel like five miles on the way there; but it sure did on the way back.
A very good hike I would suggest to anyone, including beginners.
It was a good hike.

Adult Note: The lighthouse tour is staffed by volunteers. Bring a couple of bucks for donation if you can. $3 per family fee for the County Park. There is a bathroom at the lighthouse.

Where: Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale.

Distance: Zac was able to plan out a 10.045 mile route.

Weather: 35 degrees and slightly overcast with a slight breeze on the beach. Perfect hiking weather.

Level: Easy – Medium (2/9)

What was the most fun?
The boardwalk near the farm. Just beautiful.
The beach.
The end!
Food

What we did:
Stopped at Costco for pizza lunch (yum!) Crossed lots of bridges.
Walked
Saw birds.
.
.
.
.
.
The most challenging thing:
Nothing
Everything
Starting back up after lunch.

Water Source:
We brought water, but the trail goes by a lot of businesses so you could get some there. Plus, there were bathrooms along the way.
Costco
Our water bottles.

What we saw:
A great blue heron
Ducks
Driftwood
The beach
A barn.

What I brought:
Snacks
Too much clothing
Ten Essentials
Water
Water

What we learned:
You can get sunburned even when it’s 35 degrees outside.
Hike even when the weatherman says it is going to rain.
This is a great hike! I’ve always wondered what the Clear Creek Trail was when we pass the sign on Bucklin Hill. Now I know – the best hidden secret of Silverdale.
This is a very easy hike.

Suggestions for other people doing this hike:
Wear comfortable shoes.
Bring lots of water

Conclusion:
Very easy hike.
Lots of fun.
Good food
An easy hike.

Adult Note: If you hike this on a Saturday, the Interpretive Center may be open. It’s geared toward Elementary aged students, but useful to all.

Distance: 10 miles

Weather: 37-40 degrees, overcast, rainy, and windy. Miserable hiking without the right gear.
Rainy.

Level: Moderate – Easy. (4/9)

What was the most fun?
Scaring Mrs. G
Going down the hills
Lunch
The view
The duck pond
The end
Walking close to the edge of the cliffs.
.

What we did:
Hiked
Left No Trace
Splashed everybody
Got lost
Bothered the ducks
Soaked everyone with a puddle of water

The most challenging thing:
Trying to figure out where we were
Nothing

Water Source:
Our water bottles
.
.

What we saw:
Hundred foot drops
Bald eagles
Ducks
Roses
Tacoma Narrows
Vashon Island
The Mountaineers Tree
Old Growth Forest
Cedar trees
Camp 6
Ft. Nisqually
Never, Never Land

What I brought:
Daypack with ten essentials
Water bottle
GPS
Ten essentials and headphones

What we learned:
Don’t give the car keys to David
It’s okay to change your planned route, especially for safety
Don’t give the car keys to David
.
.

Suggestions for other people doing this hike:
Dress for the weather
Don’t go too close to the cliffs
Go in July-August to see the Rose Gardens in bloom
Don’t take a bike

Conclusion:
A very fun hike
Absolutely beautiful
Zac picks the best hikes!
Better done in Spring
Pretty fun hike

Adult Note: The signs are there for safety. Heed them, especially if it’s windy.