There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. 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. GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. Clam digging is a popular activity on many New World beaches, with the best clams being found in early summer. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Bowman Bay Campground has 18 tent sites and two utility sites, Quarry Pond has 7 tent sites and 49 utility sites, and Cranberry Lake has 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites. Enjoy! Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. 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. 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. Dont miss watching the sunset at the must-visit destination, Deception Pass State Park with its picturesque rugged cliffs. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. 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. Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with more than 14 miles of saltwater shoreline, and 8 miles of freshwater shoreline on three different lakes just north of Oak Harbor. Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. is accessible by boat only. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. Rhododendron Park is just down the path, and it provides a range of hiking trails through a rhododendron forest, which looks spectacular during the annual spring bloom. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Be that in nature or immersed in history. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. There are only a handful of protection districts in Washington and there isnt a lot of precedent for removing them. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Youll be waking up to the sound of birds, and going to sleep with stars above your head after an activity filled day in nature. There are no more accommodations that exactly fit your criteria. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. There is no electricity or dumping station. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. 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. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. 1. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Ebeys Landing is a 5.5-mile hike suitable for the whole family, including the pup! Sounds good right? Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. The land that is now South Whidbey State Park was originally set aside as school trust land held by the Washington Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the University of Washington. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. Earn Up To 4.00% APY. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. 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. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has a map of freshwater fishing opportunities on Whidbey Island here Saltwater fishing, either from the beach or by boat, is a great opportunity to catch several varieties of salmon, sturgeon, smelt, and other varieties. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. On top of that we show you our favorite hikes on the island, share a free camping game thats perfect for camping on Whidbey, and even more. Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman said the reopening, though limited, is welcome news and a testament to the countys long efforts. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. 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. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. 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. All of our products are completely traceable, ensuring your customers they are buying the safest, highest-quality seafood available. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. You could go yurt camping, rent a bubble or dome and go glamping under the stars, stay in an Airstream, or relax in a cabin by the water. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. You are a 5-star, all-around great business providing an important service in this rapidly changing world!, Always an excellent experience ordering from Whidbey Island Seafood Company! A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. This is one of the most popular Whidbey island parks. Below we show you the best campgrounds on Whidbey Island, explain the rules around dispersed camping on Whidbey Island, and even show you the best places to spot whales and orcas! Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. 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. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! And with all of the parks buildings, ladders, hidden rooms, forts and cannons to check out, this is an especially fun place for kids to visit and stay. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. Our seafood is flash frozen on-board, ensuring our customers that they are purchasing the safe and quality product. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. There are several heated showers and restrooms, as well as a coin-operated laundry too. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. 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! Picnic shelters and unsheltered tables remain open to visitors and provide excellent lunch spots for day-trippers and travelers en-route to such nearby camping state parks as Deception Pass, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. . Directions Park Website Boating Camping Diving Saltwater fishing Two boat ramps 1.8 miles of hiking trails Amphitheater Beach exploration Two fire circles Bird watching Historical Site Lighthouse The park has three miles of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a freshwater lake for fishing, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This park is huge and has 38 miles of hiking trails, six miles of horseback riding trails, and three miles of bike trails! Clams can only be found in salt water; to dig, make sure you have a good look at the beach first. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 If there are no restrictions in place, then recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit, as long as they meet certain requirements: The best time to camp on Whidbey Island is between May and October, as the weather is pleasant for most of the time then, and the rainfall isnt as heavy. 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. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. Because salt does not appear in blue on the New World map, finding it can be difficult; only fresh water appears in blue on the map. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. The short . Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Date of experience: August 2014. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. Look for bays and estuaries with plenty of tidal flow. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Address: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. Fort Townsend Campground. 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. 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. Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. County workers and the community worked to clean up the watershed, identify problem septic systems and launched initiatives such as a campaign to pick up dog waste at Freeland Park. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. 100% 10 Reviews. by Harley Gutirrez | Jan 18, 2023 | Clams. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. 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. more. 1. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. Harvest profile The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! Review Highlights . Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. 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. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. Deception Pass State Park doesnt have a single trail, but is filled with 38 miles of hiking trails to keep you busy for multiple days, and of course you can even camp at the parks campground. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. The beach is divided into two sections. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Welcome to Wandering our World! . 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. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. There are more than 40 public clam and oyster beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. There is also an opportunity to buy a case of 12 mixed bottles from each venue for $20-$25. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. 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. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. 100% 3 Reviews. The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high.
