Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary

Hiked to the lighthouse on a very windy spring day. Volunteers keep the lighthouse open and offer to tours to the top of the lighthouse. What a welcome relief to get in from the wind and chat with the keepers! Time the hike so low tide occurs in the beginning to middle of your hike. It took us about 2.5 hours each way. Be prepared for wind! There wasn't much marine life out the day we went. The hike runs on the ocean side since the spit side is protected by the wildlife refuge. Look over the drift wood to see the spit. The hike is flat, but wear supportive shoes, 10 miles along a rocky and sandy beach is harder than it sounds!

Tongue Point is a beautiful area by Salt Creek. There are tide pools, tons of sandy beaches, and an old military encampment on the cliff from WWII. It can be wildly windy or calm and relaxing, but come when the tide is out for the best experience. Camping on site is very nice, but pick a spot inland from the water, the morning breeze on the edge can freeze the most bundled up camper.

Its a great place. Sandy beach. Handicapped bathrooms. A great place to watch birds and collect sea shell rocks.