In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. 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). DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife There are no more accommodations that exactly fit your criteria. 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. The park also has a range of athletic fields used for little league games, so the campground is the perfect spot to set up camp for tournaments and other activities in Rhododendron Park. Bait is a more effective fishing technique when fishing for clams in New World waters, particularly in shallow water. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. Learn More Camping in the park has been permanently closed due to tree diseases, which pose a tree-fall risk. This day-use park on the west side of Whidbey Island is a scenic drive away from Anacortes or a short ferry ride from Mukilteo. Focusing on ingredients grown locally on Whidbey Island, as well as produce, flowers and herbs harvested from the Captain Whidbey gardens, our culinary focus is . Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Give your savings a boost. So you may have some jet noise. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. 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. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. 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. A Locals Guide To Half Moon Bay Camping: Best Campgrounds, Dispersed Camping & More! Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. Clam Digging at Double Bluff Beach & How to Make Clam Chowder Penn Cove is an extra special location as its filled with sea life, including ghost shrimp and seals which makes it a favorite feeding ground for whales and orcas looking for a snack! Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. A Long Weekend on Whidbey Island, the Playground of the Pacific Penn Cove's "blue beauties" star at Coupeville's annual Musselfest South Whidbey State Park Old Growth Forest is a quick 2.2-mile hike through the forest of old-growth cedar and large old Douglas fir trees. And some of the best places to whale watch from shore include: West Beach is one of the best places to whale watch as it provides a clear view for miles! You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Theres plenty of historical sites and buildings to enjoy if camping here (as we show you below), as well as lots of coastal scenery, wildlife, and hikes to explore too. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. And staying at the campground in the park means you can spend as much time as you like exploring this history-filled area at a very affordable price. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. . Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Whidbey Island has some excellent fishing beaches on its western shores, where salmon and steelhead pass within casting range. Its not without hope, she said. Project Metric. SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND STATE PARK 4128 Smugglers Cove Rd Freeland, Washington 98249-8702 Phone: 360-331-4559 Reservations: 888-226-7688 South Whidbey Island State Park is a 347-acre camping park with 4,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Admiralty Inlet. Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. Whether youre into kite flying, shellfish harvesting, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird-watching, frisbee throwing, softball playing, or anything else that benefits from a beautiful environment and well managed campground system, youll find a great place to do it on Whidbey Island. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Shellfish - Island County, Washington There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Its a much more peaceful campground than the more popular Deception Pass, so if youre looking for serenity away from the crowds, this is a great choice. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. If youre looking to entertain children while camping on Whidbey Island or you fancy having some fun for yourself then weve created a printable scavenger hunt game! So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Youll be able to see a range of fascinating marine life living just offshore there, including Giant Pacific octopus that live in the boulders by the jetty. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. Fort Townsend State Park. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. Joseph Whidbey Campground. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. Whidbey Island Seafood Company You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 1. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. Of course its not only the weather that can decide when you want to go camping on Whidbey Island, theres other factors too. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. ), and very high quality sea food. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. 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. With trails, camping, beach access, and large open fields, this is a perfect Whidbey Island park for a day visit, or a weekend camping trip. Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! Staying at Fort Casey Historical State Park means youll be spending much of your time in the park exploring nature and experiencing all the history there. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Best Clams in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor Last minute booking. 1. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. This day-use park on the west side of Whidbey Island is a scenic drive away from Anacortes or a short ferry ride from Mukilteo. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. The best low tides in the fall and winter (between October and mid-March) and in the spring (between mid-March and mid-April) are usually found during afternoon/evening (PM) hours, when success is most likely. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! The campground is connected to Rhododendron Park, which has three large athletic fields, full-service restrooms, a picnic area with tables including a sheltered area with a barbecue, and a playground for kids. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. . The log group shelter may be reserved. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. The short . Located a little over 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Seattle and the biggest island in Washington state, Whidbey Island awaits you for your next big outdoor adventure. The digging will be short lived, however. The Answer Might Surprise You, Why Oysters Are A Better Source Of Zinc Than Clams, 3 Theories On The Clams Identity On The Masked Singer, The Perfect Number Of Clams To Steam At Once. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. 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. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! North Whidbey RV Park is located right beside the entrance to Deception Pass State Park, which provides you with access to miles of hiking and biking trails, beaches to explore and swim at, as well as fishing and crabbing opportunities. There is no upland access to this beach. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. Best Camping in and Near South Whidbey Island State Park Zoom in to see updated info. Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. 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. Its also a family friendly place and is one of the most dog friendly campgrounds in the region too they even have a big dog park! You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. 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. With bistro tables and chairs, a fire pit, and a charcoal grill, this spot is also perfect for spending fun quality time outdoors with your friends or family. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. Sounds good right? recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. In the late 1950s, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission entered into negotiations with the University of Washington to acquire some of the trust land for use as a state park. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. 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. 13 Fantastic Things to do on Whidbey Island - Ordinary Adventures 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. Showing results in neighboring cities. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. Click here for map/directions. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. According to Camille Speck, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist based out of Port Townsend, the non-native species moved in while the fishery was closed and is pushing out native clams, particularly Manilla and butter clams. Enjoy! Contact park staff for details. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. Be careful while doing so of course. The campground is closed from November 1 April 1. Staying here gives you a chance to explore parts of World War II history by literally stepping inside fortifications, while also enjoying all the nature and coastal scenery Whidbey Island is famous for. What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. 10 Thank Francis P . Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. The Top 3 Whidbey Island Campgrounds Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! Some of these beaches, however, may have seasonal restrictions or be closed to prevent over-harvesting. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. 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! 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). Some of those reside in state parks while others are in privately owned.. To help out, weve picked our six favorite Whidbey Island camping options for you to review. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. It was a little bit of a rude shock, Speck said during a telephone interview. Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. There are plenty of public access points for beach fishing, including Deception Pass, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. North Whidbey RV Park is located right across from the Deception Pass State Park entrance, so it gives you full access to the park and everything on offer there, but in a much more comfortable environment for RVers. Youre also connected to ten miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), which is that 1,200-mile-long scenic trail we talked above before. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. 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.