The Dungeness Unit is comprised of multiple properties, with diverse habitats that include deciduous dominant riparian forest, scrub-shrub wetland, marsh wetland, wet upland meadows and estuary. These properties were purchased to protect and restore the natural lower floodplain riverine system and forested wetland. Hunting opportunities are offered ONLY at the RIVER'S END PROPERTY.
Most of the Dungeness Unit properties are located about 5 miles north of Sequim in Clallam County.
The Dungeness Unit is located in the Dungeness-Elwha basin. Adjacent land use includes residential development, agriculture, and open space.
This unit is part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 621, 624
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking areas
- Informational kiosks
Recreation and access advisories
- RIVER'S END & THREE CRABS PROPERTIES: Sanican is seasonally onsite.
- Parking on county road right-of-way for all other WDFW properties.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities are offered ONLY at the RIVER'S END PROPERTY. RIVER'S END PROPERTY is located north of East Anderson Road, and west of the Dungeness River.
This unit is popular for waterfowl hunting.
Hunting advisories
- Due to popularity, waterfowl hunting at this site is subject to a number of rules. Hunting is restricted to Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, and state and federal holidays.
- Hunting is restricted to a WDFW designated point that is available on a first- come, first-serve basis.
- RIVER'S END PROPERTY: It is unlawful to have in possession more than 15 shotgun shells or to fire (shoot) more than 15 shells in one day on this unit (WAC 220-414-050).
- FIREARMS RESTRICTION AREA: Per Clallam County Regulations Chapter 15.16 FIREARMS DISCHARGE RESTRICTIONS - RESTRICTED SHOOTING AREA 1 (North of 101). The area north of Highway 101, and bounded on the west by the Elwha River, on the south by Highway 101, on the east by the east county line, and on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- TOWNE ROAD & THREE CRABS PROPERTIES: No hunting is allowed—SAFETY ZONES in place.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes deciduous riparian forest, scrub-shrub, forested, and marsh wetlands, wet upland meadows, and estuary, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl.
Purple martins may be viewed during their breeding season (generally between April and September) along the estuarine shoreline at the THREE CRABS PROPERTY. Special nesting structures have been installed for the martins as part of a Purple Martin Recovery Project.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- Please help the purple martins recover: view responsibly—avoid disturbing them.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit offers views of the Salish Sea shoreline and the Dungeness River.
Conservation
Habitat types include deciduous dominant riparian forest, scrub-shrub wetland, marsh wetland, wet upland meadows and estuary.
Special habitats and species
Estuarine, salt marsh, riparian, floodplain, and freshwater wetland habitats are present. Restoration and enhancements of these habitats are ongoing and benefit both waterfowl and salmon.
Conservation goals
- Restore and protect critical salmon habitat
- To retain diversity of fish and wildlife on the landscape - estuary, wetlands, riverine, associated shorelines, forest, and meadows
Estuarine, salt marsh, riparian, floodplain, and freshwater wetland habitats are present. Restoration and enhancements of these habitats are ongoing and benefit both waterfowl and salmon.
- Restore and protect critical salmon habitat
- To retain diversity of fish and wildlife on the landscape - estuary, wetlands, riverine, associated shorelines, forest, and meadows
Land stewardship
The Dungeness Unit was purchased to protect and restore the natural lower floodplain riverine system of the Dungeness River and forested wetland.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1967 and 2017.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Endangered Species Act Section 6 Program |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Wetland Reserve Easement |
Management planning
2010 North Olympic Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.