Learn More Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. Home Page | American First Credit Union If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! South Whidbey Island, including current-day South Whidbey State Park, lies within the traditional territory of multiple Southern Coast Salish tribes, who have inhabited the region for more than 10,000 years. 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. 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. 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 Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Self-pay with cash or check only. Bait is a more effective fishing technique when fishing for clams in New World waters, particularly in shallow water. Best Clams in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor Dont miss watching the sunset at the must-visit destination, Deception Pass State Park with its picturesque rugged cliffs. Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. 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. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Clamming hotspot on South Whidbey to reopen, but dig limited to six Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. The campground is connected to Rhododendron Park, which has three large athletic fields, full-service restrooms, a picnic area with tables including a sheltered area with a barbecue, and a playground for kids. Best Camping in and Near South Whidbey Island State Park By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? 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. 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. Camping in the park has been permanently closed due to tree diseases, which pose a tree-fall risk. 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. 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. 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. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. 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. Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. 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. Captain Whidbey Restaurant - Coupeville, WA | OpenTable The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. Date of experience: August 2014. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Autumn on Whidbey Wine, Spirits, and Art Tour happens in November, and is a self-guided tour of five of the best wineries and distilleries on the island. When driving from Seattle, take I-5 North to exit 230, then travel 18 miles west on State Route 20, which will take you over the bridge into Oak Harbor. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. 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. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. Things to Do on Whidbey and Camano Islands 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! 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. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables. Because salt does not appear in blue on the New World map, finding it can be difficult; only fresh water appears in blue on the map. Unsubscribe in one click. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! Fort Ebey State Park | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. 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! There is no upland access to this beach. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. 10 Thank Francis P . Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . 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. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Double Bluff County Park - Tripadvisor 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. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. 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. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. Digging For Dinner - Sound Water Stewards of Island County, WA The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) 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. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. 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 sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. berries and roots. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. The cozy tent can accommodate up to three persons, providing a comfortable king-sized bed and an extra cot, if needed. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Joseph Whidbey State Park. There is some discussion with local tribes to harvest varnish clams as crab bait, but its unclear whether that will materialize or expedite the return of local species. This park provides 52 full hookup RV campsites, and most have an ocean view. 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. 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. Review Highlights . 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. The water quality story is a huge success. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. 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 get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. Harvest profile Save. The accommodations indicated with the icon 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. There is a large parking lot at the beach. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. 1. There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. You can try broadening your search by changing some of the filters or move and zoom-out into the map to show more results. Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. Look for bays and estuaries with plenty of tidal flow. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. 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. South Whidbey Island State Park - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. It has some of the best views in the state. Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. The Native population was decimated by diseases brought in by European settlers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Some of these beaches, however, may have seasonal restrictions or be closed to prevent over-harvesting. To truly appreciate the beauty of nature while here, make sure to book one of these glamping spots for your stay! Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. Located a little over 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Seattle and the biggest island in Washington state, Whidbey Island awaits you for your next big outdoor adventure. The digging will be short lived, however. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Ordering online is quick and easy and delivery goes without a hitch. Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . Theres even an old battery dug into the high bluffs here that you can explore as part of your adventures around Fort Ebey Park. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. 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). Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. 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. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. So whether you want to pitch a tent in a rustic nature-orientated campground, or go luxury camping in your deluxe RV, theres a spot for you here. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. BIOLOGISTS SAID they hope to discover whats happening through studies and testing. Up on the bluffs of Fort Ebey, youll find dug out World War II gun placements and bunkers, and you can go exploring through all the rooms there to check out the history that has been left behind. 100% 3 Reviews. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. They will be small, however, and crops take from two to four years to cultivate. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. Glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington, United States of America Best Clam Chowder in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor There is no electricity or dumping station. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Shellfish Advisories - Island County, Washington are plentiful. South Whidbey State Park - Washington Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. 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. The sheer size, bio-diversity, and beauty of this state park are enough to put it on this list. For upcoming dates check . The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. is accessible by boat only. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. As an Amazon Associate and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions.