Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

Sequim offers a diverse range of dining options near Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. For a cozy breakfast or lunch, Oak Table Cafe is a popular choice, known for its warm cottage feel and all-day breakfasts. For seafood lovers, Salty Girls Seafood Co provides a casual setting with oysters and cocktails. Those seeking a more upscale dining experience can visit Alder Wood Bistro and Wood-Fired Pizza, which offers local, wood-fired New American fare in a simple yet elegant setting. Additionally, Old Mill Cafe is a great spot for American eats in a retro, roadside atmosphere.

These restaurants cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Visitors to Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge have several excellent accommodation options in Sequim. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sequim offers modern lodgings with a conference center and free breakfast. For a more scenic stay, Juan de Fuca Waterfront Hotel & Cottages provides relaxed quarters with a private beach and kayak rentals. The GreenHouse Inn by the Bay is a charming B&B with views of Dungeness Bay. Lastly, the Quality Inn & Suites Sequim offers simple lodging with an outdoor pool and free breakfast.

These hotels offer a range of amenities and settings to suit different preferences.

Dungeness Recreation Area provides several amenities for visitors. The park includes numerous day-use picnic tables with fire pits and benches, as well as a playground in Loop 2. There are two fully ADA-accessible restrooms available year-round, with coin-operated showers available from May to October. Water faucets are located throughout the park, though access is limited during winter months due to winterization. Additionally, the nearby Dungeness Spit offers scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, though certain activities like camping and fires are restricted within the refuge itself.

The recreation area also offers a group campsite and several first-come, first-served campsites, making it an ideal base for exploring the refuge.

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent recreation area offer a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking and bird-watching are popular pastimes, with the refuge being a significant stopover for migratory birds. The scenic bluff trail and equestrian trails in the recreation area provide opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. However, activities like swimming, surfing, or beach volleyball are not typical due to the refuge's focus on wildlife conservation. Visitors can also explore the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.

Photography is another popular activity, given the refuge's diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Dungeness Recreation Area and the National Wildlife Refuge offer some accessibility features. The recreation area has two ADA-accessible campsites and fully ADA-accessible restrooms available year-round. The refuge itself has wheelchair-accessible trails and viewing areas, though some areas may be restricted to protect sensitive habitats. Parking lots in both the recreation area and the refuge are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities. However, due to the natural terrain of the spit, some areas may be more challenging to access for those with mobility impairments.

Visitors are encouraged to contact the refuge or recreation area for specific accessibility information before planning their visit.

Parking for Dungeness Recreation Area is available in several day-use lots, with an ADA-accessible restroom nearby. For visitors to Dungeness Spit and the National Wildlife Refuge, parking is located in a separate lot at the north end of the recreation area. An entrance fee is required to access the refuge, and visitors are advised to return if the parking lot is full. The parking facilities are designed to accommodate day visitors and campers alike, though overnight camping requires registration at the recreation area.

Parking is generally accessible, but it's important to follow refuge rules to ensure the protection of wildlife habitats.

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest refuges in the United States, established in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson. The refuge is part of the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex and is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The New Dungeness Lighthouse, located at the end of the spit, is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the Northwest. The refuge's unique geography, with its long sand spit, creates a tranquil bay that supports a rich variety of marine life.

The area is also significant for its role in supporting migratory birds, providing a crucial stopover point for species traveling between Alaska and South America.

One of the main attractions near Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is the New Dungeness Lighthouse, located at the end of the spit. This historic lighthouse, built in 1857, offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is a popular spot for photography and wildlife observation. The refuge itself is a significant attraction, providing a habitat for over 250 species of birds and numerous other wildlife species. Visitors can also explore the Dungeness Recreation Area, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.

The nearby town of Sequim provides additional attractions, including local shops and restaurants.