Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Sequim

We stopped here last summer (2018) for rhe first time. This is a fee area ($3) or free if you have the America the Beautiful federal lands pass. We were greeted by park volunteers, one stationed at the fee station, the other at an informational kiosk with some brochures and hands-on displays. There is a short trail down to the water with exhibits and overlooks on the main trail; there is also a windier, slightly longer unpaved wooded trail which we hiked on the way back up. It is signed as a primitive trail, but it was lined with woodchips and was obviously well-maintained. We visited with our eight-year-old boy who loved playing on the sand and throwing rocks in rhe water (because the ocean doesn't have enough rocks in it, you know). There beach is long, but skinny. We only made it halfway to the lighthouse at the end because it was five to six miles out, and the weather turned a bit windy and rainy. Part of the spit is a wildlife refuge for animals only, especially seabirds, (people not permitted), but that portion is visible from the main accessible area, and clearly marked off. The only real downside about the spit is that if you are there during an earthquake or tsunami, you are unlikly to make it somewhere safe in time (unless you are right at the beginning of the beach) as you have to travel back along the spit as far as you came out. There are no shortcuts to...

Many experiences to be had. The main trail is a 1/2 mile through the wooded uplands. Variety of plants and some animals. The overlook at the bluff offers great views across the Straits and out along the spit. The trail starts down, the first 80 feet is steep at 33% to a second overlook which has a clearer view to the east and Mt. Baker was visible on the horizon. From here, the trail continues to drop another 80 feet, but much shallower (16% grade) to the beach. We stopped on the beach and enjoyed the sun, surf and explored the driftwood, rocks, bluffs and watched the sea birds.

The upland trail is steady downward grade, similar to a trail on an old railroad route. It feels paved and pavement is visible, but much of it has a layer of sand or dirt, making it a bit softer than asphalt. Thus, wheelchair users should have little difficulty.

We didn't take the 5 mile walk to the Lighthouse, although most did. The beach, at low tide, is solid and provides a good walking service, so steady walking, it will be 2 1/2 hours out and back; plus time to take a tour of the lighthouse. It's a highlight for...

This lovely wilderness refuge was marred by the tracks, noise, and fumes of a large ATV which a park ranger drove around (and closely followed me for some time). Ranger asked a number of intrusive questions, seemingly more interested in finding ways to threaten visitors with citations than in protecting wildlife. The questioning and being followed by an ATV made me uncomfortable and spoiled an otherwise idyllic trail—I would advise solo women use caution and avoid the ranger. The experience would be much improved for visitors and wildlife if staff were stationed at the entrance to explain the many rules and overly-complicated way of paying the park fee, rather than zipping around on motorized vehicles trying to “catch” visitors who’ve paid their fee or have a park pass and are just trying to...