Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. Be careful while doing so of course. 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. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. Each campsite also has a picnic table and an outdoor grill, whilst fresh water is available nearby. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. 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. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. No matter where you go on Whidbey Island, youll be sure to find some great hiking trails, and in most situations, your dog can come with you on a leash. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. 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. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. 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. 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! They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Last minute booking. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. The accommodations indicated with the icon Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. There is no upland access to this beach. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. Another one of the fantastic features of this park is the Keystone Underwater Dive Park, which provides two distinct dive spots, the Keystone Jetty and the abandoned dock pilings. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. The sheer size, bio-diversity, and beauty of this state park are enough to put it on this list. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. 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 . Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! are plentiful. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. ), and very high quality sea food. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. That means you can explore everything the park has to offer as soon as you wake up that includes hiking, walking across those massive bridges, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing and kayaking. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. If digging for clams and mussels doesnt sound like a good time to you, but eating them does, then there are a range of restaurants on Whidbey Island that will be happy to serve you up their best mussel dishes. Whidbey Island Clams Whidbey Island Clams View map Sort by: Highest Rating We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. 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. And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. This yurt is not only a haven for nature lovers but for art enthusiasts as well. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. Welcome to Wandering our World! Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! 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. diggers can catch 15 razor clams per day under state law and are required to keep 15 of them in their jars at all times. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. 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! Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. The Arts Artists flock to Whidbey and Camano Islands for inspiration. Give your savings a boost. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. 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 taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Autumn on Whidbey Wine, Spirits, and Art Tour happens in November, and is a self-guided tour of five of the best wineries and distilleries on the island. The cozy tent can accommodate up to three persons, providing a comfortable king-sized bed and an extra cot, if needed. Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! Close to the RV park is also the Deception Pass Golf Center, so you can play a 9-hole round of golf, an 18-hole round of mini-golf, or just practice your shot on the range. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. Enjoy Whidbey Island camping rentals and don't miss out. Limit search to Whidbey Island. During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. Learn More Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! Sounds good right? It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. 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. Self-pay with cash or check only. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. 100% 3 Reviews. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Clam digging is a popular activity on many New World beaches, with the best clams being found in early summer. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. 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! 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. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? 100% 10 Reviews. Its not without hope, she said. 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. 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. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. 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. berries and roots. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. 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. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. 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. 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 The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. . For upcoming dates check . With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. 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. 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. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . Free . 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. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! The park features paragliding, surfing and gun batteries to explore. 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. We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. If you've never dug for clams and oysters, the WhidbeyBeach Watchers presents a series of "how-to" classes on area beaches. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. The log group shelter may be reserved. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. Although if youre looking for restaurants and stores, youll need to drive out of the park for about 20 minutes to find any. Review Highlights . Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Bowman Bay Campground. There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. 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. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Showing results in neighboring cities. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. Please try again with another location or different dates. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service.