What better way than camping! Penn Cove is an extra special location as its filled with sea life, including ghost shrimp and seals which makes it a favorite feeding ground for whales and orcas looking for a snack! Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. So you may have some jet noise. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! 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. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Click here for map/directions. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Be that in nature or immersed in history. ), and very high quality sea food. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Welcome to Wandering our World! You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. is accessible by boat only. 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. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. There are 100 full hookup sites for large RVs and trailers, but no tents sites. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. What better way than camping! The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. Fort Townsend State Park. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. The accommodations indicated with the icon 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! Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. 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. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Fort Townsend Campground. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Save. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. 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. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. 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. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! There is a large parking lot at the beach. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. Unsubscribe in one click. 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. 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. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. The digging will be short lived, however. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. The log group shelter may be reserved. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. 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! Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. 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. There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. Its located towards the southern end of the island, which is unlike many of the other campgrounds that are based in the north, but offers some of the cheapest camping on Whidbey Island. 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. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has a map of freshwater fishing opportunities on Whidbey Island here Saltwater fishing, either from the beach or by boat, is a great opportunity to catch several varieties of salmon, sturgeon, smelt, and other varieties. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. One word to describe her style: Venture. And some of the best places to whale watch from shore include: West Beach is one of the best places to whale watch as it provides a clear view for miles! Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! 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 sheer size, bio-diversity, and beauty of this state park are enough to put it on this list. 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. Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. 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. Address: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. This place is primitive camping, but the sites are spacious and you feel right in the middle of the nature. 2023 Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. It was a little bit of a rude shock, Speck said during a telephone interview. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Oysters are not expected to be common at this location. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Bowman Bay Campground. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Bait is a more effective fishing technique when fishing for clams in New World waters, particularly in shallow water. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. 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. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. 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. 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. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. 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. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. 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. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. Joseph Whidbey State Park. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. Project Metric. Vancouver named the island after one of his crew members, Joseph Whidbey, who, along with Peter Puget, circumnavigated the entire island in a small vessel. Youll almost always find that one thing youll need is a Flint bus. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Rhododendron Campground is a smaller campground than most others on the island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. 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. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Map updates are paused. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. 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. berries and roots. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. . Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. As an Amazon Associate and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. It has some of the best views in the state. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. This campground is available from March 1 October 31, and there are 39 tent campsites and 11 partial-hookup campsites that provide water and electricity. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. Showing results in neighboring cities. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. Theres plenty of historical sites and buildings to enjoy if camping here (as we show you below), as well as lots of coastal scenery, wildlife, and hikes to explore too. For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. 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. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. How many clams are allowed to dig in Washington state? Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. For upcoming dates check . Required under state law, it was created by county commissioners due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. They will be small, however, and crops take from two to four years to cultivate. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. Review Highlights . 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. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay