New Dungeness Lighthouse
Active since 1857, this historic lighthouse is reached by a 5-mile hike on a sandy spit, offering tours and a unique keeper program.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier walk, fewer crowds
New Dungeness Lighthouse
Best Time
Easier walk, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Active since 1857, this historic lighthouse is reached by a 5-mile hike on a sandy spit, offering tours and a unique keeper program.
"Worth the ten mile beach walk. Bring binoculars!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 5-mile hike is on sand and rocks. Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the best experience.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for the 10-mile round trip. Bring more than you think you'll need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lighthouse Tower
Top of the lighthouse
Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and surrounding landscapes.
Dungeness Spit Hike
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
An 11-mile round trip walk on a sandy spit, offering unique coastal scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lighthouse Keeper Program
New Dungeness Lighthouse
Experience life as a lighthouse keeper by staying a week and assisting with light maintenance duties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Long Haul
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 5-mile hike is on sand and rocks. Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the best experience.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for the 10-mile round trip. Bring more than you think you'll need.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially on sunny days. The spit offers little shade.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing and enjoy distant sights along the spit and across the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 5-mile hike is on sand and rocks. Opt for sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the best experience.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for the 10-mile round trip. Bring more than you think you'll need.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially on sunny days. The spit offers little shade.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing and enjoy distant sights along the spit and across the water.
💰 Small Entry Fee
There's a $3 fee per person to enter the beach area, payable by envelope.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of hiking the Dungeness Spit to reach the historic lighthouse, with many praising the stunning views from the tower and the opportunity to participate in the Lighthouse Keeper Program. However, the significant 11-mile round trip hike on sand can be challenging and requires thorough preparation.
"The hike to the lighthouse is 5 miles, and back to the center 5 miles. You have to be prepared for a bit of a walk/hike on the beach to get to it. If you walk close to the ocean on the path, there is a wonderful breeze. Plenty of fallen trees, beautiful stones, and crashing waves."
Stephanie Averill
"Best time to go = weekday, extreme low tide, sunny. Easy walk, even though 11 miles, due to the low tide and packed sand. Wonderful views from the lighthouse tower. Picnic tables, public restroom, and water are all available on the grounds."
Joodie Klinke
"This was the first time that I had ever been inside the lighthouse also went to the top which was amazing. What a great experience that I had and exploring the bay views of the beautiful ocean and beach. I would come back again soon one day."
Caleb Aguilar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach the lighthouse is by hiking the Dungeness Spit, a 5-mile trail from the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Some visitors also access it by boat. 
Parking is available at the 'Dungeness Spit Trail' lot, which is clearly marked on maps and is free to access.
Yes, there is a $3 per person fee to enter the beach area, typically paid via an envelope system.
No, you cannot drive directly to the lighthouse. The only way to access it by land is via the 5-mile hike along the spit.
The Dungeness Spit is a long, sandy peninsula extending into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, entirely within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a traditional ticket system for the hike, there is a $3 per person entry fee for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge beach area.
The lighthouse is open for daily tours, but it's always a good idea to check the official Dungeness Lighthouse website for the most current hours and any potential closures.
Yes, you can go inside the lighthouse and even to the top for amazing views. Tours are available daily.
The hike to the lighthouse is approximately 5 miles one way, making it an 11-mile round trip. This can take 3-5 hours depending on your pace and conditions.
The lighthouse and spit are generally accessible year-round, but weather conditions can impact the hike. Always check local forecasts before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can hike the spit, tour the lighthouse, enjoy the coastal scenery, and potentially spot wildlife. The Lighthouse Keeper Program offers an extended stay.
Yes, there are public restrooms and picnic tables available on the grounds of the lighthouse.
The refuge is a haven for various bird species, marine mammals, and other coastal wildlife. Keep an eye out during your hike.
The 11-mile round trip hike can be challenging for young children due to the distance and sandy terrain. Assess your children's stamina and preparedness.
The views from the top are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, and the surrounding coastline.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, especially with fog rolling in. Weekday mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots.
Drone usage may be restricted within the National Wildlife Refuge. It's best to check the refuge's specific regulations before flying.
Landscape photography, lighthouse shots, wildlife photography, and capturing the unique coastal environment are popular.
The entire spit offers scenic opportunities, from the logs on the beach to the lighthouse itself and the expansive water views.
On clear days, Mt. Baker can be visible in the distance, offering a stunning backdrop for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, you might consider a shorter walk along the spit to experience the coastal environment without committing to the full hike to the lighthouse. The lighthouse grounds themselves offer picnic areas and restrooms, making it a feasible destination for a family outing if you're prepared for the walk.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
+1 Aim for a weekday during extreme low tide for the most comfortable walking conditions on the compacted sand. Don't forget to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. Consider bringing binoculars to spot wildlife and enjoy the expansive views. The opportunity to tour the lighthouse at the end of your hike adds an extra layer of accomplishment.
📸 Photographers
+1 The Dungeness Spit itself offers unique compositions with driftwood, sandy textures, and the vast ocean. Experiment with different times of day to experience the changing light and atmosphere. The wildlife refuge also provides opportunities for bird and marine mammal photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Lighthouse Keeper Program
+1Prospective keepers are responsible for tasks such as cleaning, painting, and general light maintenance, contributing directly to the preservation of this historic landmark. The program is highly sought after, so early application is recommended. It's an ideal way to truly connect with the lighthouse and its surroundings, offering a perspective few visitors get to experience.
This program is perfect for those seeking a unique adventure, a digital detox, or a deep dive into maritime history. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and the vastness of the sea right outside your door. It's a truly special way to experience the New Dungeness Lighthouse.
Navigating the Dungeness Spit Hike
Best conditions for the hike are during extreme low tide on a sunny weekday. This ensures a more compacted sand surface and fewer people. Always check tide charts before you go, as high tides can make parts of the spit impassable or require walking on softer, deeper sand.
Along the spit, you'll encounter numerous fallen trees and interesting driftwood formations, adding to the natural beauty of the walk. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and marine mammals that frequent the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as reaching the lighthouse. Photography Opportunities
+1Consider the unique environment of the Dungeness Spit for your shots. The long, sandy expanse, scattered driftwood, and the dynamic coastal waters create compelling foregrounds and textures. Wildlife photography is also rewarding here, with numerous bird species and potential marine mammal sightings.
The changing weather, from fog rolling in to clear, sunny skies, adds another layer of visual interest. When planning your photography trip, think about the time of day and weather. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light. Remember to be respectful of the natural environment and any wildlife you encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit