So you may have some jet noise. All so you can make the right decision about where to stay. To truly appreciate the beauty of nature while here, make sure to book one of these glamping spots for your stay! Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Our Phone Number: (360) 331-4887. 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. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. The park is known for its breath-taking views, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. 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. 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. Fort Casey Historical State Park is a go-to destination for history buffs. 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). The island is significant both historically and culturally. Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. 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. 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). Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. 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. Its a fantastic Whidbey Island camping option. 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. The water quality story is a huge success. Whidbey Island Clams Whidbey Island Clams View map Sort by: Highest Rating We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. What better way than camping! 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. . Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. 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. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Deception Pass State Park. The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. 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. The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! 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. Of course you dont need to do the entire 1,200 miles, but you can experience a small part of it. Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. 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. Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. Thats because theres full hookups at this RV park, and many more amenities and facilities here than youll find in state park campgrounds. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. 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. . I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. 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. Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. 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. 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 campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. 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. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. 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. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. Youre also close to a range of other activities and services on the base, including paintball, a gym, rec center, food, and a range of other things. . This glamping spot is right for you if you love S'mores and good coffee! Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. Learn More That means you can spend more time exploring the island, spotting native wildlife, visiting the plethora of artisans living on Whidbey, and enjoying some of the famous Whidbey Island mussels and other fantastic seafood that this place is known for. You may even see them feeding on shrimp there too. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. In 1963, State Parks purchased the park's first 85 acres on the west side of Smuggler's Cove Road. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Address: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Whidbey Island, WA 6 contributions Clamming at Double Bluff can be decent on a very low tide. It's home to many miles of hiking trails featuring beaches, views, old growth trees and more. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Last minute booking. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. While they are all over Puget Sound, they havent been known to outcompete regional species. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. is accessible by boat only. more. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. Lagoon Point has a public beach that is also known locally as a great viewing area for whales. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. berries and roots. To catch clams, look for the larger hole next to a quarter, and the edge of the surf line. 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. Fort Casey was being used by the military in the 1800s up until the 1940s and the remnants of that time are everywhere. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. 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. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! 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. Unsubscribe in one click. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! The accommodations indicated with the icon Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. Panoramic views of the Puget Sound shoreline, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. The 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. 100% 3 Reviews. There are plenty of public access points for beach fishing, including Deception Pass, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey. . only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. The short . So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. If you buy something through a link on our site we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to yourself. 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. Sounds good right? The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. Experts are also baffled by the seeming take over of varnish clams. Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. 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! 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday. 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 Self-pay with cash or check only. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. 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. It helps keeps the coffee flowing! You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. Whidbey has around 20 campgrounds and RV parks for you to choose from spread throughout the island. 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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. Be that in nature or immersed in history. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. The best time to dig is between the months of October and March, when tides are highest in the morning and afternoon. It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. The log group shelter may be reserved. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. And with a little bit of know-how, you can easily find yourself a bountiful catch of clams. You can also get lessons or join any tournaments that are running when visiting. 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! For additional information and a permit, call the park at (360) 678-4519 or send an email. Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. The park is the site of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. The land that is now South Whidbey State Park was originally set aside as school trust land held by the Washington Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the University of Washington. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! Be careful while doing so of course. There is some discussion with local tribes to harvest varnish clams as crab bait, but its unclear whether that will materialize or expedite the return of local species. 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. Permission is required from the landowner. 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. Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. Musselfest, March 4-5, Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. Project Metric. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. Fort Ebey was a World War II coastal defense fort that now serves as a state park and campground. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Those are great areas for socializing and sharing stories about your days adventures. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. The park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. Limit search to Whidbey Island. 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! County workers and the community worked to clean up the watershed, identify problem septic systems and launched initiatives such as a campaign to pick up dog waste at Freeland Park. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. State fishery officials announced that the area will reopen from April 1 to May 15, pending formal approval by the Washington Fish and WildLife Commission. Bowman Bay Campground. 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! 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 . Fort Townsend State Park. Please try again with another location or different dates. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Temperatures from May to October can range from 10C to 24C, and it only rains between 3 to 8 days out of each month. 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. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. It was finally transferred to State Parks in 1991. Clammers will hit Holmes Harbor for the first time in eight years this spring. 3 Best Glamping Spots On Whidbey Island, USA - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, glamping whidbey island | luxury forest yurt on a working farm, heated water a hot plate bathroom and such a cute deck and private space, it was lovely to be able to look up and see the trees from the bed, the yurt is as clean and stylish as the pictures depict, the yurt was so lovely and charming it was easy to find with the instructions given by the host, the thoughtfulness of the hosts reflected in all the details, we had a really fun evening hosts were great with suggestions of area activities as well, lovely records and books are provided coffee and tea and the hosts are the epitome of hospitable, loved the space and the location close to langley and the ferry, a quiet comfortable unique place to stay while still close to favorite locations on the island, such a peaceful close getaway for us seattleites, loved it very very comfortable beautiful location, the local experiences are really fun and fairly close as well, glamping whidbey island | cozy tent in the middle of the woods, the tent was very cozy with the woodstove and the propane grill was great, it has heating system that helps keep the tent cozy during winters, plus its comfortable and we had cell service, loved the space very quiet very serene and cozy, everything was very clean and the bed was very comfortable, the small camp site area was also clean and ready for us, paige is such a wonderful host and made sure we were comfortable our entire stay, our host was great and we enjoyed meeting her two lovely children, the host is very friendly warm and welcoming, location is great for exploring whidbey island, moreover this is at a very prime location which makes it easier to explore places nearby, this place is amazing it is a beautiful and private location that is perfect for a quiet getaway, this is such a lovely place to spend a weekend with family, i definitely recommend paige's place and hope to come back and stay again, the air mattress bed was very comfortable and the blankets were so warm even on a cold night, the place was undoubtedly dreamy and stocked with necessary items to make the stay comfortable, this was glamping at it's finest the tent was perfect comfortable bed and fresh flowers waiting, lots of room to run and explore with lovely little touches like fresh flowers coffee and lighted lanterns, there were pans and silverware and washing supplies under the picnic table which was so nice to have, kris is a wonderful host and it was a unique experience, kris the host is a wonderful person easygoing and attentive to any need you may have, such a cute and quiet place to relax and close enough to check out local activities, it's a beautiful location and site and must have been wonderful at one time, this place is a must it's such a dreamy and majestic little oasis tucked away on beautiful property, 27 Best Airbnb Houseboats In And Around Seattle - Updated 2023, Top 10 Hotels With Views Of The Space Needle In Seattle, Washington - Updated 2023, 11 Amazing Party Houses To Rent For One Night In and Around Seattle, 1. 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