The weather and scenery couldn’t have cooperated any better. Within minutes, we were already beginning to strip off layers of jackets and vests as we walked the Spit. Even the tides were on our side, so that we could mostly walk directly on the beach rather than scamper across the rocks and driftwood. Dungeness is the longest natural sand spit in the United States, and juts out 5.5 miles from the Olympic Peninsula and ends at the Dungeness Light, once a manned Coast Guard station that’s now automated and has volunteer guides who live in the old Lighthouse Keeper’s house for a week at a time, year round. There’s a beautiful grass lawn and a fresh water well at the Light. After lunch and a climb up to the top of the Light, we loaded up and hiked back. It was a little over 11 miles round trip, with Dante taking “honors” (if you want to call it that) for hefting the heaviest pack at over 60 pounds. Please don’t ask what he was carrying, but we can all testify that it was natural, organic materials. Staying hydrated was important, as well as making sure our packs fit well and shoes and feet were cared for. Everyone changed out at least their sock liners once we reached the Light, and relaxed our bare feet on the grass while eating lunch and watching the ships sail by on the Strait. It was truly a day to take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

As reported by Crew 1042. Used with permission. Are you interested in an active Venture Crew (for young men and women 14-20) in the Silverdale area? Contact Crew 42 for information.

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.