National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
Home Page
Parks Starting With:
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
Y |
Z
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
National
Park Photo Gallery
National
Park Event Calendar
National
Park Contact Information
National
Park Overview
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is located along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The refuge hosts one of the worlds longest natural sand spit, which softens the rough sea waves to form a quiet bay and harbor, gravel beaches and
tide flats.
Here, eelgrass beds in the bay and harbor provide food for Pacific black brant and a nursery for young salmon and steelhead. Tide flats teem with migrating shorebirds in spring and fall flocks of waterfowl find food and rest in these protected waters during the winter.
The refuge provides habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife species. Over 250 species of birds and 41 species of land mammals have been recorded on the refuge along with eight species of marine mammals.
Approximately 8,000 black brant stage in the area during April. Shorebirds and water birds feed and rest along the waters edge and about 600 harbor seals haul out to rest and have their pups on the end of Dungeness and Graveyard Spits.
Nature of the Area
The refuge protects critical habitat for wildlife and provides viewing opportunities for people. To ensure that wildlife continue to have a place to rest and feed, some recreational activities are allowed only in selected areas during certain times of the year.
Portions of the refuge are closed to provide sanctuary for wildlife during critical feeding, resting and
nesting times. The refuge has an active program of volunteers helping with public information, education, maintenance and
wildlife protection. If you would like to become involved, call the refuge office.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing
The Strait side of Dungeness Spit is open to saltwater fishing year-round, except for the tip of the Spit. Tidelands in Dungeness Bay and Harbor excluding closed areas shown on the refuge map -re open to shellfishing May 15 to September 30. Access east and west of Graveyard Spit is by boat only. Washington State fishing regulations apply. All oysters are privately owned and may not be harvested.