About the Refuge
Dungeness, one of the world’s longest sand spits, shelters a bay rich in marine life. Eelgrass beds attract brant, shorebirds feed on the tideflats, and ducks find sanctuary in the calm waters.
A Haven for Wildlife
Recognizing the importance of the fertile habitats, President
Woodrow Wilson established the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge on January
20, 1915 as a refuge, preserve, and breeding ground for native birds. Today the graceful arch of Dungeness Spit
continues to protect nutrient-rich tideflats for migrating shorebirds in spring
and fall; a quiet bay with calm waters for wintering waterfowl; an isolated
beach for harbor seals and their pups; and abundant eelgrass beds for young
salmon and steelhead nurseries.
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public
year-round. Hiking, wildlife viewing,
and photography are popular activities on the Refuge. Some portions are closed seasonally or
permanently to protect sensitive species.
To ensure that wildlife continue to have a peaceful place to rest and
feed, certain recreational activities such as swimming, jogging, and
other beach activities are allowed only in selected areas during certain times of the year. Pets, bicycles, kite flying, frisbees, ball-playing, camping, and
fires are not permitted on the Refuge as they are a disturbance for the many
migrating birds and other wildlife taking solitude on the Refuge.