DUNGENESS SPIT

Who went: DJ, David, Gabe, Jordon, Zach, Mrs G

When: Monday, September 24, 2007 9:00 - 16:00; the trip out to the lighthouse took less than two hours (1:58). We stayed at the lighthouse about 1:00. The trip back took 3:10 because the tide was in and we hiked through driftwood and rocks. Plus we took a lot of time looking at things on the way back.

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 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.

More pictures here:
Dungeness Page 2
Dungeness Page 3

Zach called his dad at home from the lighthouse, and Mr. T took a webcam shot of us! Can you see us in front of the building?