A Haven for Wildlife — 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.

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 arc 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.

In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of earth.
- Rachel Carson

Visit Us

Plan before you go! Thousands of visitors appreciate the natural beauty of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge each year. Take a few minutes to review hours, fees, and regulations before you head out on your adventure.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      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, flying machines, ball-playing, camping, and fires are not permitted in the Refuge as they are a disturbance for the many migrating birds and other wildlife taking solitude on the Refuge. 

      What We Do

      Resource Management

      Dungeness National Wildlife 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 and some portions of the Refuge are entirely closed to the public. The Refuge has an active program of volunteers helping with public information, education, maintenance, and wildlife protection. Other Refuge management activities include wildlife surveys, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species
      mitigation, public education, and marine debris clean-up.

      In 1990, Graveyard Spit was designated as a Research Natural Area (RNA) due to its unique vegetation. In RNAs, natural processes are allowed to predominate without human intervention. Activities on RNAs are limited to research, study, observation, monitoring, and educational activities that are non-destructive, non-manipulative, and maintain unmodified conditions.

      Our Organization

      Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex

      Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is managed as one of six refuges in the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex. A Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
      Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

      Learn more about structure
      because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs.

      Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex while refuge managers may be responsible for operations at specific refuges. Staff are generally, but not always, centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.

      The Washington Maritime Complex is headquartered at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Sequim, WA.

      Our Species

      With diverse habitats from vernal ponds to a saltwater bay, Dungeness supports hundreds of animal and plant species.

      Birds

      Originally set aside as a refuge for migratory birds, Dungeness provides safe harbor for a variety of sea birds, shore birds, and many others.

      Mammals

      From the Douglas' squirrels chattering in the tree branches to harbor seals resting on shore, mammals abound throughout Refuge habitats.

      Habitats

      Dungeness protects a rich fusion of habitats for wildlife. Where land and sea meet, many species thrive.

      Species Directory

      black oystercatcher on a rock

      The adult Black Oystercatcher is a large shorebird with a black head and body; large red bill; stout, dull pink legs; and yellow eyes, with surrounding ring of red skin. Juvenile Black Oystercatchers are similar in appearance to adults; however, they may have somewhat browner plumage, a dark tip...

      FWS Focus
      Bald eagle up close with wing raised

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

      FWS Focus
      Orca Whale Hunting Seals on the Dungeness Spit

      Killer Whales are distinctively marked, with a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye. Calves are born with a yellowish or orange tint, which fades to white. Killer Whales have a heavy and stocky body and a large dorsal fin with a dark grey "saddle patch"...

      FWS Focus

      Our Library

      Brochures, Maps, and Publications

      View our galleries for wildlife found at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

      Dungeness NWR Brochure

      Dungeness NWR Brochure with Map

      Dungeness NWR Watchable Wildlife Checklist

      Dungeness NWR Wildlife Checklist

      Projects and Research

      • Dawley Estate Shoreline Restoration
      • European Green Crab Mitigation
      • Invasive Plants Mitigation
      • Wildlife Surveys
      • Parking Lot and Public Restrooms Renovation