Dungeness Spit

Rating: SKII

Distance: 10.3 NM

Date: March 21, 1998

Leader: Kel Hinds                               Participants: 9

Launch: 10:15                                     Return: 3:00

Weather: Overcast, 55-60F, water calm.

Description: Launched at Cline Spit and traveled south to the back of the bay before heading north along the spit. We paddled the entire length of the spit and stopped for lunch (and a tour) at the lighthouse. Along the way we came across a group of about 15 very large harbor seals. They didn’t seem interested in us. After lunch we toured the lighthouse (call for reservations). Lots of interesting history, the lighthouse was being maintained by a retired couple. On the return we followed the spit for a while and then crossed against an outgoing current (~1 knot) back over to Cline Spit.

Tides/Currents: Currents are not strong in the area. However, if you plan to cross straight over to Cline Spit from Dungeness Spit during the ebb you might want to plan a slight ‘ferry’ to get back across.

Charts:

San Juan Current Guide, Page 1.

Chart # 18471.

Notes:

  1. This is a great place for waterfowl – might want to bring some sort of bird book for identification purposes.
  2. Remember – if you want to tour the lighthouse (or land at the lighthouse which is the only place you’re allowed to land!) – you need a reservation (360)457-8451.
  3. Would have been nice to have started earlier too have more time for a morning break along the spit.
  4. The put-in place for kayaks down at the lighthouse is marked by 2 yellow posts. Just head for the lighthouse until you see the sign.

Directions to Launch Site: From I-5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 2 hours (95.4 miles) to the launch site. Take highway 16 to highway 3, then take hwy 3 until you reach 104. Take 104 over to the Olympic Peninsula where you’ll get on Hwy 101. Take Hwy 101 and follow the new 4-lane to the Downtown/Sequim Ave Exit) and follow Sequim Ave to the traffic light downtown.From the traffic light Go 5.5 miles on Sequim Ave. (also called Dungeness Scenic Route or E. Anderson). When you get to Marine, turn right. Go 0.9 miles down Marine and turn right on Cline Spit. Cline Spit is at the bottom of the hill (about 200 yards) and has parking and launch.

Facilities:

  1. There are bathrooms at the Cline Spit parking area but no water.
  2. Parking is plentiful at Cline Spit.
  3. There is a bathroom available at the lighthouse.
  4. Lighthouse has limited places to eat – a couple of picnic tables.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Dungeness Spit (SKII). 10.3 NM RT. Dungeness Spit is the longest spit (5 miles) in the US. It is an excellent winter migratory bird habitat and an interesting example of salt marsh community. We will see birds, seals, grasses, tidal inhabitants, a lighthouse, Canada, and maybe Mt. Baker! Bring binoculars, cameras, bird/crab books, and an investigative mind.

Contacts:

  1. For information or to make reservations for the lighthouse call the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge at (360) 457-8451.
  2. For camping call the Dungeness Recreation Area at (360) 683-5847.

 

User Fees:  There is a $3 user fee.  The Leader will have to pick up an envelope at the base of Dungeness Spit, collect all the fees from participants, and return the envelope later in the day.  We ran into a park official out at the lighthouse and she was willing to take the money.  To get to the base of Dungeness spit follow 101 to Kitchen-Dick Road and turn right.  Turn right on Lotzgesell Road and then left on Voice of America Road.  Follow it down to the parking area.

References:

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 260-267.

Washburne, Randel. Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands. Seattle: The Mountaineers. 1996. pp. 206-210.