The spit is created by the wind and water currents depositing
eroding soil from the Olympic Mountains brought into the bay from
the Dungeness River and McDonald Creek. "Rivers create landforms
through erosion and deposition. Most erosion takes place upstream,
while deposition generally occurs downstream. River erosion is
caused by water dissolving rocks, and by the abrasion caused when
cobbles, pebbles, and sand grains rub along the base of the river
valley and against each other. These moving, eroding fragments are
known as the river's load. The amount of load depends on the
strength of the river
currents."http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/nature_gallery/geomorphology.html
Wind and waves bring the sandy sediments from the west. Strong
northeast winds helped shape the spit which creates a reverse shore
drift that formed the hook called Graveyard Spit. (It is forbidden
to venture within this area as it is a preserve for the wildlife
here.) This creates a peaceful inner bay estuary of Tide flats
which nourishes clams, crabs, oysters and other shellfish, which
then attracts Native birds and other wildlife. President Woodrow
Wilson established the inner bay a Refuge on January 20, 1915 by
Executive Order to preserve the breeding grounds for the native
birds. The refuge is home to over 200 species of birds. It is
frequented by marine life such as seals orca, salmon and steelhead
which feed in the eel grass beds. The plant and wildlife here can
be sensitive so be courteous of the refuges rules and no entry
signs.
DURING YOUR VISIT REMEMBER TO STAY ON THE TRAIL AND PRACTICE OUT
DOOR ETHICS SUCH AS LEAVE-NO-TRACE AND CACHE-IN-TRASH-OUT. ALSO
WHAT NATURAL RESOURCES YOU MAY FIND THERE SHOULD NOT BE DISTURBED
AND NEVER TAKEN! FOR MORE INFO ON THESE OUTDOOR ETHICS PROJECTS
VISIT: HTTP://WWW.LNT.ORG/ABOUTUS/INDEX.PHP
There is a $3.00 entrance fee. The refuge is open daily from dawn
to dusk with access limited by foot or horseback only. Pets are not
allowed on the spit itself, but on the adjacent shoreline with
leash only.
To hike the length of the Spit it will take approx 3-5 hours!
The beach past the lighthouse is closed to the public. Once you
start your hike there is no access to water or bathrooms! These
facilities are located by the Spit's parking lot. So make sure you
fill up or download prior to heading out! Once you reach the
lighthouse there is a bathroom, water spring, and picnic tables.
There is also no food availible. So take a lunch or snacks. I
recommend a daypack with goodies, sunscreen, and dress in layers!
Good Luck and Have Fun! Special Thanks to the New Dungeness Light
Station Association for allowing this cache and the Volunteers
keeping the lighhouse in working order! You can visit there page
at: http://www.newdungenesslighthouse.com/
To Log this earthcache: e-mail the answers...please do not post
them in your log.
1. If your GPS has a pedometer, use it to walk to the Lighthouse.
How many miles is it to the lighthouse? If you can track steps, How
many steps did it take you?
2. Let the friendly lighthouse volunteers know you are there to
perform the Earthcache. -Some of them are Geocachers themselves and
like to know your there for this! -(There are two Virtuals located
at the lighthouse aswell!)
3. What is the lighthouse water source, and why so
impressive?
4. While walking the spit and seeing the Inner Bay/Graveyard Spit,
what makes it such a great place for wildlife and preserve? (3
sentences max plz!) 5. How many feet does the Spit grow an average
per year?
Optional: Take a picture of the Lighthouse with you and or your
GPS and post it in the gallery.
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