Dungeness Spit, Natural sand spit in Strait of Juan de Fuca, United States.
Dungeness Spit is a natural sandbar that extends about 5 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, forming a narrow, curved strip of land. The landscape consists mainly of sand and gravel, with the New Dungeness Lighthouse standing at the spit's tip as a prominent navigational marker.
The spit formed over time through sediment accumulation transported by ocean currents and deposited at this location. Its protection as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1915 was established to safeguard the region's animal and bird populations for the future.
The lighthouse standing at the spit's tip is a historic landmark maintained by volunteers who share stories about maritime navigation and coastal life. Visitors can observe how this structure remains central to understanding the region's connection to the sea and human settlement patterns.
Plan your visit around low tide to make walking on the beach easier and safer. Bring waterproof clothing since wind and spray are common throughout the year.
The spit continues to grow through the way waves and currents pile sand, making it a dynamic landscape constantly reshaping itself. This process of land-building through natural forces allows visitors to witness geology in action.
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