Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Not much is known about shellfish resources on this beach. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. So you may have some jet noise. 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 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. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. In the late 1950s, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission entered into negotiations with the University of Washington to acquire some of the trust land for use as a state park. 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. 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. We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. Contact park staff for details. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Part of that will include removing the offending varnish clams in small areas and reseeding it with Manilla and butter clams. 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. Limit search to Whidbey Island. There is a sandy beach with a length of nearly two miles that is known as Mocrocks Beach. Learn More There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Please try again with another location or different dates. What better way than camping! Vancouver named the island after one of his crew members, Joseph Whidbey, who, along with Peter Puget, circumnavigated the entire island in a small vessel. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. 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. Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. 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. Earn Up To 4.00% APY. 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. THE DECISION to reopen the fishery and set harvest dates is up to Fish and Wildlife, not the Department of Health, however, and the two agencies have left the county facing legal and scientific questions. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. On top of that theres a number of cabins and yurts if you want a more comfortable Whidbey Island camping experience. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. 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. Perm's Cove: A History of the Settlers. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions. This campground is available from March 1 October 31, and there are 39 tent campsites and 11 partial-hookup campsites that provide water and electricity. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about where to go clamming on Whidbey Island, what kind of clams you can find, and what to do with them once youve caught them. There is a large parking lot at the beach. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. 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. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. 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. is accessible by boat only. 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. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. Enjoy! 1. The log group shelter may be reserved. Welcome to Wandering our World! The water quality story is a huge success. Please exercise caution not to trespass on private property. Whidbey Island has a huge range of hiking trails to match everybodys level of fitness and ability. Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. The accommodations indicated with the icon 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. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. 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. North Whidbey RV Park is located right across from the Deception Pass State Park entrance, so it gives you full access to the park and everything on offer there, but in a much more comfortable environment for RVers. 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. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! 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. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . Enterococcus is part of the normal intestinal flora of humans and animals, which means the contributor could be nothing more than wildlife. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. 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. 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! Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. You could go yurt camping, rent a bubble or dome and go glamping under the stars, stay in an Airstream, or relax in a cabin by the water. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Notable regions here are: Check here for more information from Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. Clams prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but in general, I prefer shallower areas with a rocky bottom. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . 10 Thank Francis P . 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. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. 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. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! 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 Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! 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). Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! There is no upland access to this beach. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. You deserve an escape from the day to day. 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 For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. 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 . Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. 1. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . 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! Be that in nature or immersed in history. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. I cant imagine any better customer service than what you offer. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! GEAR RENTAL Rent the gear you need and have it delivered to your door byArrive Outdoors! If you've never dug for clams and oysters, the WhidbeyBeach Watchers presents a series of "how-to" classes on area beaches. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. The campground is closed from November 1 April 1. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. 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. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. Harvest profile There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. 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. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. Date of experience: August 2014. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. There are no razor clams but there are butter clams, hoarse clams and on a super low tide geoducks. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. Whether youre into kite flying, shellfish harvesting, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird-watching, frisbee throwing, softball playing, or anything else that benefits from a beautiful environment and well managed campground system, youll find a great place to do it on Whidbey Island. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. 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. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. To get to Double Bluff Beach, take Highway 20 to the south end of the island. With bistro tables and chairs, a fire pit, and a charcoal grill, this spot is also perfect for spending fun quality time outdoors with your friends or family. There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. A permit is required, and each person can only harvest a certain number of clams per day. Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. 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. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. BIOLOGISTS SAID they hope to discover whats happening through studies and testing. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. 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 . Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually.