Just west of Sequim, Washington off Highway 101 is a scenic fishing spot within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The 6-mile long Dungeness Spit curves gracefully into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Dungeness Bay and Harbor forming the other border.

It is an easy walk out the spit toward the lighthouse, even carrying fishing equipment. And driftwood is often perfectly positioned for a spot to perch awhile. Be sure to watch the tides. In places, the spit is only 50 feet wide and can be breached entirely during high tide. Of course, there are worse places to be stranded than on these peaceful tidal flats.

The strait side of the Spit is open to saltwater fishing year-round. Washington State fishing regulations apply. Tidelands in Dungeness Bay and Harbor are open to shell fishing May 15 to September 30. All oysters are privately owned and may not be harvested. Portions of the wildlife refuge, such as Graveyard Spit, are either closed entirely to public entry or open for boat access only. The water just off the end of the spit is considered prime halibut territory, and the clamming is excellent.

Naturally, delectable Dungeness C ...[continued]