Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. 100% 3 Reviews. The campsites are spacious, the campground is quiet, and the facilities (see below) are very good. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. 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). In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Best Clam Chowder in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor Whidbey Island - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. Learn More 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. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. 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. South Whidbey Island State Park - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. 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. 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. 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! And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. 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. Couldnt be happier!. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. berries and roots. Rhododendron Campground is a smaller campground than most others on the island. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. 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. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. One word to describe her style: Venture. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. 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. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. They will be small, however, and crops take from two to four years to cultivate. The park features 2 miles of shoreline on Puget Sound, and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. 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. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. 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. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. The log group shelter may be reserved. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Our seafood is flash frozen on-board, ensuring our customers that they are purchasing the safe and quality product. Be that in nature or immersed in history. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. 13 Fantastic Things to do on Whidbey Island - Ordinary Adventures Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. are plentiful. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! 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. Glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington, United States of America There is no upland access to this beach. A Long Weekend on Whidbey Island, the Playground of the Pacific 3 Best Glamping Spots On Whidbey Island, USA - Updated 2023 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 We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. 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. Things to Do on Whidbey and Camano Islands South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. Date of experience: August 2014. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. ), and very high quality sea food. Shellfish - Island County, Washington All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. Self-pay with cash or check only. Unsubscribe in one click. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. 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. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. 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. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! 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. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Joseph Whidbey State Park. There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. 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. Please try again with another location or different dates. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. Mussels, clams, and oysters can be harvested from Penn Cove between July to August, but check the exact dates for the year youre going. 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). Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Coho Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Shortraker Rockfish (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught. Deception Pass State Park | Washington State Parks and Recreation Deception Pass State Park doesnt have a single trail, but is filled with 38 miles of hiking trails to keep you busy for multiple days, and of course you can even camp at the parks campground. You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. Project Metric. 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. In 1977, controversy erupted when the Department of Natural Resources announced plans to clear-cut 255 acres of trust land forest, known as the "Classic-U" tract, bordering South Whidbey State Park to the east of Smuggler's Cove Road. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. The water quality story is a huge success. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. And with all of the parks buildings, ladders, hidden rooms, forts and cannons to check out, this is an especially fun place for kids to visit and stay. 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! You deserve an escape from the day to day. To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. Prices will vary each month depending on number of classes offered. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. 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 . South Whidbey Island State Park, a Washington State Park located near Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. 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 Showing results in neighboring cities. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Fishing Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. 1. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. 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. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! 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. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. Contact - St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. Most campgrounds on Whidbey Island also have access to good hiking trails, so you may not need to go far to find a great hike to try out. What better way than camping! 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. 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. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. 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. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Last minute booking. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. 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. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. This place is primitive camping, but the sites are spacious and you feel right in the middle of the nature. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Theres even an old battery dug into the high bluffs here that you can explore as part of your adventures around Fort Ebey Park. Fort Casey was being used by the military in the 1800s up until the 1940s and the remnants of that time are everywhere. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. Home Page | American First Credit Union May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Its not without hope, she said. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. 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. Thats because theres full hookups at this RV park, and many more amenities and facilities here than youll find in state park campgrounds. The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. 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. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. 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. Acres of clams, and they're not Ivar's | Whidbey News-Times Picnic shelters and unsheltered tables remain open to visitors and provide excellent lunch spots for day-trippers and travelers en-route to such nearby camping state parks as Deception Pass, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. Public land owned by the state or federal government are typically your best options for dispersed camping; this includes forests and areas managed by the US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Answer Might Surprise You, Why Oysters Are A Better Source Of Zinc Than Clams, 3 Theories On The Clams Identity On The Masked Singer, The Perfect Number Of Clams To Steam At Once. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. 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. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! 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. 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. 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. 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. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. Wandering our World is reader supported. 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. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. 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! The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches.