Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. Washington Department of Health (DOH) cautions that clams, oysters, and mussels from this beach are not fit for human consumption at any time. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. Picnic & day-use facilitiesThe park offers one group shelter without electricity, plus four sheltered and 19 unsheltered picnic tables. And with all of the parks buildings, ladders, hidden rooms, forts and cannons to check out, this is an especially fun place for kids to visit and stay. 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. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. Fish and Wildlife monitors seasons and regulations, but the health department is charged with monitoring which areas are safe from marine biotoxins and vibrio. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. Wandering our World is reader supported. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. What better way than camping! 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. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. 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. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. If digging for clams and mussels doesnt sound like a good time to you, but eating them does, then there are a range of restaurants on Whidbey Island that will be happy to serve you up their best mussel dishes. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Whidbey's numerous lakes are ideal for fishing for largemouth bass or trout. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. If you've never dug for clams and oysters, the WhidbeyBeach Watchers presents a series of "how-to" classes on area beaches. Staying at Fort Casey Historical State Park means youll be spending much of your time in the park exploring nature and experiencing all the history there. The beach is divided into two sections. The island is significant both historically and culturally. Harvest profile You may also stroll through the lush garden and admire the beauty all around you. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. Whidbey Island camping offers a plethora of diverse options for enjoying the outdoors. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! 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. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! Our network of West Coast and Pacific Northwest fisheries use sustainable and traceable methods to guarantee quality from catch to table. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? Spread throughout the three campgrounds are one dump station, 20 restrooms, and 10 showers. Bowman Bay Campground. Hiking on Whidbey Island can be done year-round, so if you love the trails but dont want to visit during the much busier summer months, then fall and winter still provide great hiking options. Glamping Whidbey Island: Luxury Camping Vacations in Whidbey Island, Washington. The fire must be in an enclosure no bigger than 3 feet but must be at least 16 inches high. Available for a limited time only. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. It really is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing camping experience with fantastic views and great amenities. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. Close by is the Gallery Golf Course which is a challenging 18-hole course that runs along the coastline, so youve got great views while playing. Navy personnel conduct training missions at various times during the day and night. is accessible by boat only. Fort Townsend State Park. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. The host provides a S'mores kit and hot French press coffee every morning, so you can start your day right. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. 100% 3 Reviews. 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! However, the host makes sure that you have enough water and that all your needs are met. Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. Whidbey Island has a number of festivals where you can enjoy the local flavors, art, music, and natural beauty of this place. Showing results in neighboring cities. The campground is closed from November 1 April 1. Camping on Whidbey Island is a great alternative to more expensive accommodation, and it gets you much closer to nature! 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. Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday. 100% 10 Reviews. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. For upcoming dates check . Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! 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. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. 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. 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. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! Theres even an old battery dug into the high bluffs here that you can explore as part of your adventures around Fort Ebey Park. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! Sounds good right? Cozy tent in the middle of the woods (from USD 105), 6 Best Dinner Cruises In Seattle, Washington, 8 Best Glamping Spots Near Big Bend National Park, Texas - Updated 2023, Top 11 Glamping Spots In Colombia - Updated 2023, 9 Best Spots For Glamping In Korea - Updated 2023, Top 2 Spa Resorts In Taupo, New Zealand - Updated 2023, 10 Best Airbnb Plus Rentals In Florida, USA - Updated 2023, 4 Best Glamping Spots Near Rose Lake, Ohio - Updated 2023, 10 Best Glamping Spots On The Island of Hawai'i, USA - Updated 2023, 2 Best Farm Stays In Pune, India - Updated 2023. Its also a family friendly place and is one of the most dog friendly campgrounds in the region too they even have a big dog park! Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. Fort Townsend Campground. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. 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. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. Shellfish are prized resources of the Puget Sound, the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? There is no electricity, but lanterns are provided for your convenience. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. 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 . Limit search to Whidbey Island. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. Required under state law, it was created by county commissioners due to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water samples. Deception Pass State Park. 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. Whidbey Island has a huge range of hiking trails to match everybodys level of fitness and ability. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. 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. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. 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. . 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. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. 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 vacations in nature await. 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. The accommodations indicated with the icon You deserve an escape from the day to day. Nonetheless, on occasion, youll also find Nightcrawler Bait. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. 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! There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. 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 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. Contact park staff for details. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. It was especially present in wrack, the often smelly carpet of seaweed/organic material that collects on the beach at Freeland Park. Enjoy Whidbey Island camping rentals and don't miss out. 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. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. 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! 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. Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Which is an incredible deal and a good souvenir to take home if you dont drink them all before! The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. A boat ramp can be found on the beachs east side, and a dock can be found on the beachs west side. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. 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. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. 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. 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. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. 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. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. 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! There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. 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. 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The narrow window is largely the result of an unexpected and unwelcome development the expanded presence and domination of varnish clams. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons CLOSED for harvest year-round. Camp luxuriously in this insulated yurt with a king-sized bed, mini kitchen with a full fridge, and wood stove. are plentiful. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. clams are plentiful on Whidbey Island's rural beaches. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Learn More There are a range of other activities at the park, including 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. 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 What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? All of our products are completely traceable, ensuring your customers they are buying the safest, highest-quality seafood available. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . The island has a wide variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique benefits for clamming. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. Map updates are paused. Our customers are keenly interested in knowing everything they can about their seafood. 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. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. Project Metric. So you may have some jet noise. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. Please try again with another location or different dates. 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. Unsubscribe in one click. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. 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. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. You can try broadening your search by changing some of the filters or move and zoom-out into the map to show more results. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. . 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. Joseph Whidbey State Park. Address: 20265 SR 20, Coupeville, WA 98239. What better way than camping! Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. Whidbey Island has some excellent fishing beaches on its western shores, where salmon and steelhead pass within casting range. West Whidbey Island Butter Clams and Varnish Clams Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound, including Utsalady Bay, Penn Cove and Holmes Harbor . 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. The cozy tent can accommodate up to three persons, providing a comfortable king-sized bed and an extra cot, if needed. Joseph Whidbey Campground. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. 10 Thank Francis P . Review Highlights . Luella Meaux: November 21, 1929 January 21, 2023, Claudia Anderson: October 1, 1939 January 31, 2023, Chieko Yamane Miller: July 26, 1936 February 16, 2023, Guarding the flock: Chicken farms rely on specialized dogs. You can also harvest mussels in the nearby Twin Lagoons year-round. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. You can also go out diving to explore everything the marine park area has to offer in terms of sealife. 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 are only a handful of protection districts in Washington and there isnt a lot of precedent for removing them. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. In addition, a small store called Campsite Coffee sells additional food, drinks, and some pretty good coffee. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has a map of freshwater fishing opportunities on Whidbey Island here Saltwater fishing, either from the beach or by boat, is a great opportunity to catch several varieties of salmon, sturgeon, smelt, and other varieties. The digging will be short lived, however. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. 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. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. 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! 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. 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.