It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . Among all whidbey island parks, this is the one that caters most to bikers and hikers. There is also a range of guided tours from park staff that you can go on, including things like morning bird-watching walks and tide pool exploration walks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. 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. No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. 100% 10 Reviews. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. A Locals Guide To Half Moon Bay Camping: Best Campgrounds, Dispersed Camping & More! Theyre some of the best in the country, and when youre eating mussels in a restaurant in the US, theyve often come from Whidbey Island! 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. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. They will be small, however, and crops take from two to four years to cultivate. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. Bowman Bay Campground. Active Generations offers a balance calls that will last for 6 weeks and we will focus on exercises for the lower body and exercises to increase good posture and overall mobility. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. Wandering our World is reader supported. In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. 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 following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. One word to describe her style: Venture. There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. . Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. . Available for a limited time only. Lake Pondilla has limited fishing for smallmouth bass. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. . Varnish clams are OK to eat, though they arent as tasty as steamers or Washington little necks, Thrasher said. 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. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. is accessible by boat only. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Fishing Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. The island is significant both historically and culturally. If youre looking for a calm and quiet beach with a wide beach, look no further than Mocrocks Beach. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. Why? For the first time in years, commercial geoduck harvesting is under way in Langley. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. 1. Contact park staff for details. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. Showing results in neighboring cities. Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. 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. Last minute booking. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. She picks off-beaten paths, tries new (Do a quick search on the following sites). 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. Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. There are 100 full hookup sites for large RVs and trailers, but no tents sites. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. 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. The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. 100% 3 Reviews. And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. Use existing sites and amenities when available. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Project Metric. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. 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. 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! The United States Exploring Expedition, led by Captain Charles Wilkes, also mapped Whidbey Island after sailing into Penn Cove north of the park in 1841. 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. Learn More If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. 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. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. 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 . One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Coho Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Shortraker Rockfish (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Whidbey Island has a huge range of hiking trails to match everybodys level of fitness and ability. What better way than camping! Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. There are no more accommodations that exactly fit your criteria. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. 10 Thank Francis P . Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. Please try again with another location or different dates. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The property offers a remote experience, having no electricity. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. 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. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. The digging will be short lived, however. 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. We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? Welcome to Wandering our World! There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. 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. 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. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. A limited fishery will likely be the case for many years to come, Speck said. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. Some of those reside in state parks while others are in privately owned.. To help out, we've picked our six favorite Whidbey Island camping options for you to review. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. 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. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. The log group shelter may be reserved. One big requirement to stay here though, is that you or someone youre with must be an active or retired military employee, a veteran, a reservist, or similar. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! 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. 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.