Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. 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. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Showing results in neighboring cities. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. For one, its unclear what a limited condition reopening by the department means in terms of the existing protection district and whether the commissioners have the green light to dissolve it. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. 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! The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. There are several heated showers and restrooms, as well as a coin-operated laundry too. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. The Most Recent Change Since the Last Bulletin is - Washington What better way than camping! To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. BIOLOGISTS SAID they hope to discover whats happening through studies and testing. Enjoy! They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. 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. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. Glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington, United States of America Portage Bay, Lummi Bay and Lummi Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Governor's Point south to the Skagit County line, including Larabee State Park Butter Clams and Varnish Clams . We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. 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! To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? There is no electricity or dumping station. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. Joseph Whidbey State Park. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Clams prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but in general, I prefer shallower areas with a rocky bottom. 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. 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. 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! Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. Great beach for Clamming - Review of Double Bluff County - Tripadvisor Bowman Bay Campground. Be careful while doing so of course. 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. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. Permission is required from the landowner. If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. Review Highlights . It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. Heres a few that are worth knowing about: Penn Cove Mussel Festival happens in March and has the world-famous Whidbey Island mussels showcased in a range of food, mussel eating contests, fun activities, and tours of the local farms. Clam digging is a popular activity on many New World beaches, with the best clams being found in early summer. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. 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. Fort Townsend State Park. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. 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. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. Keep left at the fork and merge onto WA-525 N. Follow Whidbey Island Ferry sign and catch Clinton-Mukilteo ferry. Gordon's on Blueberry Hill 297 reviews Closed Now American, International $$$$ Menu Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. 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. The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. 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. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. 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! Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. Give your savings a boost. Fishing on Whidbey Island - Best Fishing in America Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Prices will vary each month depending on number of classes offered. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. Whidbey Island Seafood Company Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. 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. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. 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. 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 Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. The log group shelter may be reserved. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. 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). Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. The park features paragliding, surfing and gun batteries to explore. 100% 6 Reviews. 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. Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday. 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. They will be small, however, and crops take from two to four years to cultivate. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. The cozy tent can accommodate up to three persons, providing a comfortable king-sized bed and an extra cot, if needed. Classes are June 25 at 11 a.m., June 27 at 12:30 p.m., July 10 at 11 a.m., July 23 at 10 a.m. and July 25 at 11:30 a.m. . Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. are plentiful. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. 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. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. 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. Those include: However most of the state parks on Whidbey Island have pay-for-use campgrounds, which means you wont be able to legally freedom camp in those locations. Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. 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. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. 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! 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. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. Save. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. 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 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. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! The island is significant both historically and culturally. A Long Weekend on Whidbey Island, the Playground of the Pacific The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. Youll be able to see a range of fascinating marine life living just offshore there, including Giant Pacific octopus that live in the boulders by the jetty. 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. Of course its not only the weather that can decide when you want to go camping on Whidbey Island, theres other factors too. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. How To Clam On Whidbey Island: The Ultimate Guide The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. 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. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. Use existing sites and amenities when available. Camping in the park has been permanently closed due to tree diseases, which pose a tree-fall risk. Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! Digging 4 Dinner Clamming classes planned | South Whidbey Record 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. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing - Whidbey and Camano Islands This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. 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 also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. 1. Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Best Camping in and Near South Whidbey Island State Park The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. 13 Fantastic Things to do on Whidbey Island - Ordinary Adventures Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. 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. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. This park provides 52 full hookup RV campsites, and most have an ocean view. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. For upcoming dates check . Address: 565 Cornet Bay Rd, Oak Harbor, Washington 97277. Although if youre looking for restaurants and stores, youll need to drive out of the park for about 20 minutes to find any. Map updates are paused. Contact - St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods Deception Pass State Park. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Washington State is the nation's leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, geoduck, mussels and oysters) and with Whidbey Islands public beach . Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. It has some of the best views in the state. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. . Unsubscribe in one click. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. 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. 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. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. The short . Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. The park also has a range of athletic fields used for little league games, so the campground is the perfect spot to set up camp for tournaments and other activities in Rhododendron Park. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. 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. Its not without hope, she said. Adjust your expectations to have the best, Good Fish & Chips for an Afternoon Lunch, Our New Annual Family Christmas Dinner, A rich, indulgent, foodie staycation, Hotels near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Hotels near Callahans Firehouse Studio and Gallery, Hotels near Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, American Restaurants for Breakfast in Whidbey Island, Asian Restaurants for Families in Whidbey Island, Chinese Restaurants for Families in Whidbey Island, Gluten Free Restaurants in Whidbey Island, Kid Friendly Restaurants in Whidbey Island, Restaurants for Special Occasions in Whidbey Island, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Whidbey Island, Restaurants near Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center, Restaurants near The Coachman Inn & Suites, Restaurants near Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor, an IHG Hotel, Restaurants near Captain Whidbey Inn (Since 1907), Restaurants near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Restaurants near Deception Pass State Park, Restaurants near Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, Restaurants near Callahans Firehouse Studio and Gallery, Restaurants near Admiralty Head Lighthouse. The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Zoom in to see updated info. 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. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! 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. The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. As an Amazon Associate and Booking.com partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. Self-pay with cash or check only. Things to Do on Whidbey and Camano Islands Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.