St. Augustine's in-the-Woods is just north of the town of Freeland near the south end of Whidbey Island, about 25 miles north of Seattle and 6 miles from Everett. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. 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. Free . The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. 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. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. 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! No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. 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! There is a large parking lot at the beach. BIOLOGISTS SAID they hope to discover whats happening through studies and testing. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. . In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. 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. . Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. 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. 10 Thank Francis P . A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. 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. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. And if you get a recreational license, you can go freshwater fishing, seaweed harvesting, or shellfish harvesting, so youve even got something to cook on your campfire in the evening! Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . . Deception Pass State Park. West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . Prices will vary each month depending on number of classes offered. The Arts Artists flock to Whidbey and Camano Islands for inspiration. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Gordon's on Blueberry Hill 297 reviews Closed Now American, International $$$$ Menu Youre also close to a range of other activities and services on the base, including paintball, a gym, rec center, food, and a range of other things. Review Highlights . If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. 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. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. Brea, California vs Whidbey Island Station, Washington Change Places A salary of $50,000 in Brea, California could decrease to $27,297 in Whidbey Island Station, Washington (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. Limit search to Whidbey Island. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. 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). It will inspire you with art pieces that are intricately designed and encourage you to unleash the artist in you using the watercolors, pastels, journaling paper, and musical instruments provided. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. 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. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. 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. This park provides 52 full hookup RV campsites, and most have an ocean view. 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. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. 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. 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. Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. 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. Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Washington and connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island via two enormous bridges 180 feet above the water, which youre welcome to walk across if you dare! Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. 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 fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. Whidbey Island Clams Whidbey Island Clams View map Sort by: Highest Rating We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. This yurt is not only a haven for nature lovers but for art enthusiasts as well. 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. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. 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. Classes are June 25 at 11 a.m., June 27 at 12:30 p.m., July 10 at 11 a.m., July 23 at 10 a.m. and July 25 at 11:30 a.m. . Portage Bay, Lummi Bay and Lummi Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Governor's Point south to the Skagit County line, including Larabee State Park Butter Clams and Varnish Clams . Enjoy! Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. 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! There are more than 40 public clam and oyster beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. 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 hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. 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. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Enjoy Whidbey Island camping rentals and don't miss out. 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! Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Couldnt be happier!. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. However, there are also two designated off-leash parks and adventure areas that your dog can enjoy: Greenbank Farms Trail is a 3-mile hike with meadows and forested areas where your dog can roam freely. To truly appreciate the beauty of nature while here, make sure to book one of these glamping spots for your stay! Weve posed that question to DOH and we havent gotten an answer yet, Higman said. The beach is divided into two sections. There is also a range of guided tours from park staff that you can go on, including things like morning bird-watching walks and tide pool exploration walks. The short . Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. 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! Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. 1. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. State fishery officials announced that the area will reopen from April 1 to May 15, pending formal approval by the Washington Fish and WildLife Commission. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? berries and roots. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. Ebeys Landing is a 5.5-mile hike suitable for the whole family, including the pup! Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. 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 . 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. Some of these beaches, however, may have seasonal restrictions or be closed to prevent over-harvesting. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. Harvest profile Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. Each of these areas has its own set of rules and regulations for clam digging, so be sure to check with the local authorities before heading out. The sheer size, bio-diversity, and beauty of this state park are enough to put it on this list. Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman said the reopening, though limited, is welcome news and a testament to the countys long efforts. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. One big requirement to stay here though, is that you or someone youre with must be an active or retired military employee, a veteran, a reservist, or similar. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. 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. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Be careful while doing so of course. Wandering our World is reader supported. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. 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. Click here for map/directions. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. When driving from Seattle, take I-5 North to exit 230, then travel 18 miles west on State Route 20, which will take you over the bridge into Oak Harbor. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. All of our products are completely traceable, ensuring your customers they are buying the safest, highest-quality seafood available. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. What better way than camping! He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Project Metric. The log group shelter may be reserved. 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. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. 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). What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. 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 Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. 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. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. This glamping spot is right for you if you love S'mores and good coffee! Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! Earn Up To 4.00% APY. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. 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. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. One word to describe her style: Venture. There is no upland access to this beach. 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. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. So whether you want to pitch a tent in a rustic nature-orientated campground, or go luxury camping in your deluxe RV, theres a spot for you here. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. THE DECISION to reopen the fishery and set harvest dates is up to Fish and Wildlife, not the Department of Health, however, and the two agencies have left the county facing legal and scientific questions. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. Self-pay with cash or check only. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. Mussels, clams, and oysters can be harvested from Penn Cove between July to August, but check the exact dates for the year youre going. Clam digging is a popular activity on many New World beaches, with the best clams being found in early summer. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. 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. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank.
