Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is located along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The refuge hosts one of the world's longest natural sand spit, which softens the rough sea waves to form a quiet bay and harbor, gravel beaches, and tide flats.

Here, eelgrass beds in the bay and harbor provide food for Pacific black brant and a nursery for young salmon and steelhead. Tide flats teem with migrating shorebirds in spring and fall; flocks of waterfowl find food and rest in these protected waters during the winter.

The refuge provides habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife species. Over 250 species of birds and 41 species of land mammals have been recorded on the refuge along with eight species of marine mammals.

Approximately 8,000 black brant stage in the area during April. Shorebirds and water birds feed and rest along the water's edge; and about 600 harbor seals haul out to rest and have their pups on the end of Dungeness and Graveyard Spits.

The 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.

Portions of the refuge are closed to provide sanctuary for wildlife during critical feeding, resting, and nesting times. The refuge has an active program of volunteers helping with public information, education, maintenance, and wildlife protection. If you would like to become involved, call the refuge office.