To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about where to go clamming on Whidbey Island, what kind of clams you can find, and what to do with them once youve caught them. Why? Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. . The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . 100% 6 Reviews. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! Active Generations offers a balance calls that will last for 6 weeks and we will focus on exercises for the lower body and exercises to increase good posture and overall mobility. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Public land owned by the state or federal government are typically your best options for dispersed camping; this includes forests and areas managed by the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. Catch-and-release fly fishing at Whidbey's Pass Lake is for serious fly fisher folks who enjoy donning waders and plunking down in float tubes. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. South Whidbey Island, including current-day South Whidbey State Park, lies within the traditional territory of multiple Southern Coast Salish tribes, who have inhabited the region for more than 10,000 years. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. The short . Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. Oysters are not expected to be common at this location. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. A range of events are set up most nights so people can interact together, including beer evenings, wine tastings, painting, and a range of other activities. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. Whidbey Island has a huge range of hiking trails to match everybodys level of fitness and ability. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Some of those reside in state parks while others are in privately owned.. To help out, we've picked our six favorite Whidbey Island camping options for you to review. Contact park staff for details. You deserve an escape from the day to day. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill, and there are showers and restrooms throughout the park, a free laundry facility, and free WiFi. Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. The digging will be short lived, however. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. Fort Casey is prone to naval jets flying over the area for a number of hours on any given day though, so if youre concerned about the sound of jet noise, this is not a good campground for you. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. This campground is available from March 1 October 31, and there are 39 tent campsites and 11 partial-hookup campsites that provide water and electricity. Use existing sites and amenities when available. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Close by is the Gallery Golf Course which is a challenging 18-hole course that runs along the coastline, so youve got great views while playing. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. One word to describe her style: Venture. Theyre some of the best in the country, and when youre eating mussels in a restaurant in the US, theyve often come from Whidbey Island! Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. The park features paragliding, surfing and gun batteries to explore. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. . Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Those include: However most of the state parks on Whidbey Island have pay-for-use campgrounds, which means you wont be able to legally freedom camp in those locations. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. However, you will still be close to conveniences such as the ferry and the beautiful town of Langley. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. The sheer size, bio-diversity, and beauty of this state park are enough to put it on this list. Whidbey Island Clams Whidbey Island Clams View map Sort by: Highest Rating We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Available for a limited time only. This includes clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates (not crab or shrimp - clean crab well and do not consume the guts/butter). This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. The Arts Artists flock to Whidbey and Camano Islands for inspiration. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. 100% 3 Reviews. A boat ramp can be found on the beachs east side, and a dock can be found on the beachs west side. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . . 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. That means you can spend more time exploring the island, spotting native wildlife, visiting the plethora of artisans living on Whidbey, and enjoying some of the famous Whidbey Island mussels and other fantastic seafood that this place is known for. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Coho Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Shortraker Rockfish (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught. Fort Townsend State Park. There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. Learn More And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! Map updates are paused. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. Look for bays and estuaries with plenty of tidal flow. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . Boating and saltwater fishing are hugely popular activities in the park too, as is exploring the beach and bird watching or simply relaxing and people watching. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. If you find an area where you can freedom camp, then setting up your dispersed camping site still requires you to follow certain rules and regulations so that youre not asked to leave. For one, its unclear what a limited condition reopening by the department means in terms of the existing protection district and whether the commissioners have the green light to dissolve it. Most campgrounds on Whidbey Island also have access to good hiking trails, so you may not need to go far to find a great hike to try out. Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. IN A recent letter to local regulators, the agency said Island Countys long efforts paid off, but additional monitoring of the shoreline revealed the presence of Enterococcus bacteria, a genus of lactic acid bacteria, during peak summer months. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. Its located towards the southern end of the island, which is unlike many of the other campgrounds that are based in the north, but offers some of the cheapest camping on Whidbey Island. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Higman said the agency may research the question with its legal department about just when it can give the county the OK. ALSO UNCLEAR is from where the Enterococcus bacteria orignated, Higman said. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Our seafood is flash frozen on-board, ensuring our customers that they are purchasing the safe and quality product. Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. Whidbey Island and Deception Pass - Private Luxury Day Tour with Lunch Bus Tours from $475.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Deception Pass Bridge Island Tour from Seattle 3 Full-day Tours from $307.60 per adult PRIVATE day Trip to Deception Pass, Skagit Valley and La Conner in SUV Adventure Tours from $285.00 Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. The park features 2 miles of shoreline on Puget Sound, and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake. Address: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. 3 Best Glamping Spots On Whidbey Island, USA - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, glamping whidbey island | luxury forest yurt on a working farm, heated water a hot plate bathroom and such a cute deck and private space, it was lovely to be able to look up and see the trees from the bed, the yurt is as clean and stylish as the pictures depict, the yurt was so lovely and charming it was easy to find with the instructions given by the host, the thoughtfulness of the hosts reflected in all the details, we had a really fun evening hosts were great with suggestions of area activities as well, lovely records and books are provided coffee and tea and the hosts are the epitome of hospitable, loved the space and the location close to langley and the ferry, a quiet comfortable unique place to stay while still close to favorite locations on the island, such a peaceful close getaway for us seattleites, loved it very very comfortable beautiful location, the local experiences are really fun and fairly close as well, glamping whidbey island | cozy tent in the middle of the woods, the tent was very cozy with the woodstove and the propane grill was great, it has heating system that helps keep the tent cozy during winters, plus its comfortable and we had cell service, loved the space very quiet very serene and cozy, everything was very clean and the bed was very comfortable, the small camp site area was also clean and ready for us, paige is such a wonderful host and made sure we were comfortable our entire stay, our host was great and we enjoyed meeting her two lovely children, the host is very friendly warm and welcoming, location is great for exploring whidbey island, moreover this is at a very prime location which makes it easier to explore places nearby, this place is amazing it is a beautiful and private location that is perfect for a quiet getaway, this is such a lovely place to spend a weekend with family, i definitely recommend paige's place and hope to come back and stay again, the air mattress bed was very comfortable and the blankets were so warm even on a cold night, the place was undoubtedly dreamy and stocked with necessary items to make the stay comfortable, this was glamping at it's finest the tent was perfect comfortable bed and fresh flowers waiting, lots of room to run and explore with lovely little touches like fresh flowers coffee and lighted lanterns, there were pans and silverware and washing supplies under the picnic table which was so nice to have, kris is a wonderful host and it was a unique experience, kris the host is a wonderful person easygoing and attentive to any need you may have, such a cute and quiet place to relax and close enough to check out local activities, it's a beautiful location and site and must have been wonderful at one time, this place is a must it's such a dreamy and majestic little oasis tucked away on beautiful property, 27 Best Airbnb Houseboats In And Around Seattle - Updated 2023, Top 10 Hotels With Views Of The Space Needle In Seattle, Washington - Updated 2023, 11 Amazing Party Houses To Rent For One Night In and Around Seattle, 1. There are more than 40 public clam and oyster beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. The log group shelter may be reserved. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. So, whether youre a seasoned pro or a first-time clammer, read on to find out everything you need to know about where to go clamming on Whidbey Island. You can try broadening your search by changing some of the filters or move and zoom-out into the map to show more results. There are also a number of sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas with tables and barbecues for community use spread around the campground and beach area. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. 100% 10 Reviews. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. If you choose to go dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where youre planning on camping for your own safety. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. The beach is divided into two sections. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. is accessible by boat only. 1. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. Heres a few that are worth knowing about: Penn Cove Mussel Festival happens in March and has the world-famous Whidbey Island mussels showcased in a range of food, mussel eating contests, fun activities, and tours of the local farms. In 1977, controversy erupted when the Department of Natural Resources announced plans to clear-cut 255 acres of trust land forest, known as the "Classic-U" tract, bordering South Whidbey State Park to the east of Smuggler's Cove Road. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Self-pay with cash or check only. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. For clammers who eagerly anticipated the reopening of the once popular South Whidbey hotspot, which used to be open year-round, news of the six-week season is disappointing. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. Review Highlights . Cliffside RV Park is located on the western shoreline overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and if you peak across, youll even see Vancouver Island, Canada, looking back! Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. Joseph Whidbey Campground. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has detailed information on their website here. Not only do we explain why we love each place, we also detail what makes each campground unique, the facilities there, and whats close by to each. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. And if youre up for a hike, this park has direct access to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which is a 1,200-mile-long track that takes you along the best hiking the Pacific Northwest has. by Harley Gutirrez | Jan 18, 2023 | Clams. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . In an August 1981 ceremony, Public Lands Commissioner Brian Boyle signed an agreement with Save the Trees and others to work together to preserve the forest. Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. Dugualla State Park is a much quieter area and has a 5-mile loop of trails that take you to the beach, through the forest, and back. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! Enjoy! Date of experience: August 2014. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. Be careful while doing so of course. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? No shellfish gathering in the state of Washington is complete without digging for the geoduck, the "King of the Clams." This bivalve can grow to almost 2 pounds, and can live for well over a hundred years. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. The campground is closed from November 1 April 1. Thats because theres full hookups at this RV park, and many more amenities and facilities here than youll find in state park campgrounds. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. There is no upland access to this beach. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. Such as annual festivals and events youd like to take part in, or wildlife youd like to see like the incredible whales you can see off the coast of Whidbey during the migration season. Ebeys Landing is a 5.5-mile hike suitable for the whole family, including the pup! From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables.