Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. Each campsite also has a picnic table and an outdoor grill, whilst fresh water is available nearby. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. It was a little bit of a rude shock, Speck said during a telephone interview. Give your savings a boost. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. Sounds good right? Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Region 6 - west side of north Whidbey Including Deception Pass, Region 8-1 - between Whidbey Island and the mainland/Camano Island, Region 8-2 - between Camano Island and the mainland. Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. 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, 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. Earn Up To 4.00% APY. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! 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. The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. Joseph Whidbey State Park. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! Use existing sites and amenities when available. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! Instead, survey digs in 2008 and again this year showed the once prevalent Manilla and butter clams to have declined from four individuals per square foot to under one and a half. 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. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. Incredible Sunset at Beachfront Glamping Cabin on Private, Herron Island with Fire Pit and Kayaking near Olympia, Washington, Olympic National Forest Glamping Village for the Ultimate Northwest Outdoor Adventure, Enchanting British Columbia Tree House near East Sooke Park, Vintage Cabin in Private 10-Acre Forest with Covered Porch on Vashon Island, Washington, Modern Luxury Elevated Cabin for Tree House-Style Experience in Seattle. The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. Permission is required from the landowner. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. The geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck) has a funny name and its appearance often elicits embarrassed laughter, but Washington's biggest clam means big money to the Department of Natural Resources and fine eating, particularly for wealthy devotees in China. The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Of course its not only the weather that can decide when you want to go camping on Whidbey Island, theres other factors too. 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! 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. 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. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. 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. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables. Date of experience: August 2014. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. 100% 3 Reviews. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Cozy tent in the middle of the woods (from USD 105), 6 Best Dinner Cruises In Seattle, Washington, 8 Best Glamping Spots Near Big Bend National Park, Texas - Updated 2023, Top 11 Glamping Spots In Colombia - Updated 2023, 9 Best Spots For Glamping In Korea - Updated 2023, Top 2 Spa Resorts In Taupo, New Zealand - Updated 2023, 10 Best Airbnb Plus Rentals In Florida, USA - Updated 2023, 4 Best Glamping Spots Near Rose Lake, Ohio - Updated 2023, 10 Best Glamping Spots On The Island of Hawai'i, USA - Updated 2023, 2 Best Farm Stays In Pune, India - Updated 2023. GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! 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. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. 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. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. 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. Zoom in to see updated info. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. . Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. Why? Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. Welcome to Wandering our World! Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Click here for map/directions. 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. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday. 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. Oysters are not expected to be common at this location. 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. 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 found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! 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. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. There is a large parking lot at the beach. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. 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. Couldnt be happier!. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. All of our products are completely traceable, ensuring your customers they are buying the safest, highest-quality seafood available. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. Review Highlights . What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. Self-pay with cash or check only. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Bait is a more effective fishing technique when fishing for clams in New World waters, particularly in shallow water. 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. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! 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! My name is Maria Jimnez and I am the owner and creator of Anchor and Hopes SF, a seafood blog dedicated to providing recipes, information, and anything else related to seafood. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. The accommodations indicated with the icon There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Gordon's on Blueberry Hill 297 reviews Closed Now American, International $$$$ Menu Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. 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. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. A range of events are set up most nights so people can interact together, including beer evenings, wine tastings, painting, and a range of other activities. Limit search to Whidbey Island. 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. Bowman Bay Campground. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. Please try again with another location or different dates. 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. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. Weve posed that question to DOH and we havent gotten an answer yet, Higman said. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. 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). Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. To truly appreciate the beauty of nature while here, make sure to book one of these glamping spots for your stay! To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. You deserve an escape from the day to day. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Hiking on Whidbey Island can be done year-round, so if you love the trails but dont want to visit during the much busier summer months, then fall and winter still provide great hiking options. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. All over the island, we find these Whidbey Island parks where you can be closer to nature, history, and enjoy the beautiful flora, fauna, and geography that Whidbey Island has to offer. Theres even an old battery dug into the high bluffs here that you can explore as part of your adventures around Fort Ebey Park. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. 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. . Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. 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). The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. 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. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. One word to describe her style: Venture. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. 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! If you find an area where you can freedom camp, then setting up your dispersed camping site still requires you to follow certain rules and regulations so that youre not asked to leave. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! 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. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. 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! . Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. Learn More Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. There is no upland access to this beach. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. 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. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. 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. A Locals Guide To Half Moon Bay Camping: Best Campgrounds, Dispersed Camping & More! Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Pacific Beach, Griffiths-Priday, Ocean City, Westhaven, Westport Light, Twin Harbors, Grayland Beach, Leadbetter Point, Pacific Pines, Loomis Lake, and Cape Disappointment are just a few of Washingtons state parks with potential for clams. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. 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. 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. Contact park staff for details. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. . South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . Joseph Whidbey Campground. 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.