If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. 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. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! Last minute booking. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. 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. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Earn Up To 4.00% APY. Use existing sites and amenities when available. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. 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. A boat ramp can be found on the beachs east side, and a dock can be found on the beachs west side. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. 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. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. 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! We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. 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. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. 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. Welcome to Wandering our World! If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. . Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. more. 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. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Be that in nature or immersed in history. Rhododendron Park is just down the path, and it provides a range of hiking trails through a rhododendron forest, which looks spectacular during the annual spring bloom. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. 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 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! One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. 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. Required under state law, it was created by county commissioners due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. So you may have some jet noise. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. The recreational beaches of Island County offer a wealth of shellfish for you and your family to gather and enjoy. 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. The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. 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 . Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. 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. There is no electricity or dumping station. Whidbey Island has some excellent fishing beaches on its western shores, where salmon and steelhead pass within casting range. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. The park features paragliding, surfing and gun batteries to explore. On top of that we show you our favorite hikes on the island, share a free camping game thats perfect for camping on Whidbey, and even more. 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. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. Sounds good right? Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! Free . Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! Ebeys Landing is a 5.5-mile hike suitable for the whole family, including the pup! Mussels, clams, and oysters can be harvested from Penn Cove between July to August, but check the exact dates for the year youre going. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. This is one of the most popular Whidbey island parks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. 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. Look for bays and estuaries with plenty of tidal flow. There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. Fort Townsend State Park. 100% 10 Reviews. Whidbey Island Clams Whidbey Island Clams View map Sort by: Highest Rating We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. 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! South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. 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. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! 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. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. 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! To truly appreciate the beauty of nature while here, make sure to book one of these glamping spots for your stay! 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. Oysters are not expected to be common at this location. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. If you choose to go dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where youre planning on camping for your own safety. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. 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 WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. 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. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. Harvest profile In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. One of the best things to do on Whidbey Island is to go for a hike! Showing results in neighboring cities. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Deception Pass State Park. 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. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. 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. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. Joseph Whidbey Campground. 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. The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! The island is significant both historically and culturally. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. Youre also connected to ten miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), which is that 1,200-mile-long scenic trail we talked above before. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. What better way than camping! Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. Give your savings a boost. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. 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. Save. . Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. Some of those reside in state parks while others are in privately owned.. To help out, weve picked our six favorite Whidbey Island camping options for you to review. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. 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 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. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. 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 are plentiful. Fort Townsend Campground. There is also an opportunity to buy a case of 12 mixed bottles from each venue for $20-$25. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. 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. Get ready for a short hike to reach this secluded tent surrounded by lush greenery - just the right spot to unplug and relax amidst large cedar trees. 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 island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. 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). WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. 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. There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. 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. 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. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. 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. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. There are 100 full hookup sites for large RVs and trailers, but no tents sites. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. . recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit. 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. You deserve an escape from the day to day. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. It will inspire you with art pieces that are intricately designed and encourage you to unleash the artist in you using the watercolors, pastels, journaling paper, and musical instruments provided. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Limit search to Whidbey Island. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. 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. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! Boating and saltwater fishing are hugely popular activities in the park too, as is exploring the beach and bird watching or simply relaxing and people watching. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! North Whidbey RV Park is located right beside the entrance to Deception Pass State Park, which provides you with access to miles of hiking and biking trails, beaches to explore and swim at, as well as fishing and crabbing opportunities. berries and roots. The log group shelter may be reserved. Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. One word to describe her style: Venture. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! 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. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. The short . Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach.