There are plenty of public access points for beach fishing, including Deception Pass, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. 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. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. . Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and 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. Welcome to Wandering our World! Couldnt be happier!. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Free . A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. 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. . 100% 6 Reviews. Fort Casey State Park is a 467-acre marine camping park with a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Each campsite also has a picnic table and an outdoor grill, whilst fresh water is available nearby. 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. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. 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. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. This park is huge and has 38 miles of hiking trails, six miles of horseback riding trails, and three miles of bike trails! 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. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. 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! Showing results in neighboring cities. 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. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Map updates are paused. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. There is no upland access to this beach. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Be careful while doing so of course. 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). Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. 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. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. 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. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. However, you will still be close to conveniences such as the ferry and the beautiful town of Langley. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! The United States Exploring Expedition, led by Captain Charles Wilkes, also mapped Whidbey Island after sailing into Penn Cove north of the park in 1841. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. 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! There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. 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. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Limit search to Whidbey Island. Bowman Bay Campground. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. There are only a handful of protection districts in Washington and there isnt a lot of precedent for removing them. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. 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 game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Why? 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. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. 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. The digging will be short lived, however. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. 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. 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. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. Heres a few that are worth knowing about: Penn Cove Mussel Festival happens in March and has the world-famous Whidbey Island mussels showcased in a range of food, mussel eating contests, fun activities, and tours of the local farms. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. This yurt is not only a haven for nature lovers but for art enthusiasts as well. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. 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. 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 One word to describe her style: Venture. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. 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If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. Bait is a more effective fishing technique when fishing for clams in New World waters, particularly in shallow water. 1. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. 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. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. Learn More When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. 100% 3 Reviews. 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. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Its not without hope, she said. 100% 10 Reviews. 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! Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. Whidbey Island Clam Chowder View map COVID-19 Restaurants taking safety measures Establishment Type Restaurants Quick Bites Dessert Coffee & Tea Show more Restaurant features Takeout Wheelchair Accessible Serves Alcohol Table Service Show more Meals Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Price Cheap Eats Mid-range Cuisine American Asian Cafe Mexican There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. 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 farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Please try again with another location or different dates. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. 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. 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. Fishing Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Some of these beaches, however, may have seasonal restrictions or be closed to prevent over-harvesting. There are several heated showers and restrooms, as well as a coin-operated laundry too. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. 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). And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. 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. There are more than 40 public clam and oyster beaches on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. Give your savings a boost. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. 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! 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. 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 is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. . Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. 3 Best Glamping Spots On Whidbey Island, USA - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, glamping whidbey island | luxury forest yurt on a working farm, heated water a hot plate bathroom and such a cute deck and private space, it was lovely to be able to look up and see the trees from the bed, the yurt is as clean and stylish as the pictures depict, the yurt was so lovely and charming it was easy to find with the instructions given by the host, the thoughtfulness of the hosts reflected in all the details, we had a really fun evening hosts were great with suggestions of area activities as well, lovely records and books are provided coffee and tea and the hosts are the epitome of hospitable, loved the space and the location close to langley and the ferry, a quiet comfortable unique place to stay while still close to favorite locations on the island, such a peaceful close getaway for us seattleites, loved it very very comfortable beautiful location, the local experiences are really fun and fairly close as well, glamping whidbey island | cozy tent in the middle of the woods, the tent was very cozy with the woodstove and the propane grill was great, it has heating system that helps keep the tent cozy during winters, plus its comfortable and we had cell service, loved the space very quiet very serene and cozy, everything was very clean and the bed was very comfortable, the small camp site area was also clean and ready for us, paige is such a wonderful host and made sure we were comfortable our entire stay, our host was great and we enjoyed meeting her two lovely children, the host is very friendly warm and welcoming, location is great for exploring whidbey island, moreover this is at a very prime location which makes it easier to explore places nearby, this place is amazing it is a beautiful and private location that is perfect for a quiet getaway, this is such a lovely place to spend a weekend with family, i definitely recommend paige's place and hope to come back and stay again, the air mattress bed was very comfortable and the blankets were so warm even on a cold night, the place was undoubtedly dreamy and stocked with necessary items to make the stay comfortable, this was glamping at it's finest the tent was perfect comfortable bed and fresh flowers waiting, lots of room to run and explore with lovely little touches like fresh flowers coffee and lighted lanterns, there were pans and silverware and washing supplies under the picnic table which was so nice to have, kris is a wonderful host and it was a unique experience, kris the host is a wonderful person easygoing and attentive to any need you may have, such a cute and quiet place to relax and close enough to check out local activities, it's a beautiful location and site and must have been wonderful at one time, this place is a must it's such a dreamy and majestic little oasis tucked away on beautiful property, 27 Best Airbnb Houseboats In And Around Seattle - Updated 2023, Top 10 Hotels With Views Of The Space Needle In Seattle, Washington - Updated 2023, 11 Amazing Party Houses To Rent For One Night In and Around Seattle, 1.