We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. On Whidbey & Camano Islands Challenge yourself or treat yourself with all the things to do on Whidbey and Camano Islands. is accessible by boat only. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. 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. You need a garden hose or 2-gallon bucket of water available. Whidbey Island has some excellent fishing beaches on its western shores, where salmon and steelhead pass within casting range. Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar. Have a few days off, or even longer, and wondering how to spend the free time? The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. 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 Along with salmon, their diets consisted of: steelhead, rainbow trout, shellfish, 1 Other possible spelling: "Earnfelt" 2 Jimmie Jean Cook, A Particular Friend. You can go boating and fishing in the ocean beside this campground, or in one of the three lakes in the park too. The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. The log group shelter may be reserved. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. The campground provides one restroom with a vault toilet and two showers. 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. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. Why? 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. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. Fort Townsend Campground. More information about the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can be found on their website. 100% 3 Reviews. The fire must be a minimum of 25 feet from any timber, structures, or power lines. But you can even whale watch from the shore and spot grey whales and orcas. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. Oysters are not expected to be common at this location. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. Anacortes Arts Festival happens in August. A limited fishery will likely be the case for many years to come, Speck said. Its a fun event and crowds of 20,000 from across the country attend. 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. A BEACH WATCHER with Washington State University Extension, Island County, Thrasher has taught clam digging classes on South and Central Whidbey for years. The sites are quite spacious and private, but this is a popular campground and state park, so it can get busy. And staying at the campground in the park means you can spend as much time as you like exploring this history-filled area at a very affordable price. Dugualla State Park is a much quieter area and has a 5-mile loop of trails that take you to the beach, through the forest, and back. 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. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has detailed information on their website here. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. 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. 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. Click here for map/directions. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. Give your savings a boost. 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 . The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. There is also one dedicated campsite for anybody that arrives by kayak or canoe. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. A full clubhouse is available that gives you access to a shared kitchen, day room, and coffee lounge. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. This yurt is not only a haven for nature lovers but for art enthusiasts as well. There is no upland access to this beach. 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. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. 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. 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. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. 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. Dont camp near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed public and private campgrounds. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. 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. Such as annual festivals and events youd like to take part in, or wildlife youd like to see like the incredible whales you can see off the coast of Whidbey during the migration season. Learn More When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Review Highlights . Depending on the results, future transplants may occur. There is a large parking lot at the beach. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. Ehlert argued in court that forests were not exempt from environmental rules. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. 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. Between November and April, the rain is much higher, humidity is high, and the temperature drops significantly, ranging from 3C to 11C. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. You can learn how to dig clams, which clams are best for which recipes, how to harvest them safely and sustainably, and . Limit search to Whidbey Island. 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! The fish is of the highest quality, as is the customer service. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. HARVESTED VARNISH clams, invasive species or not, will be applied to a clammers catch quota, Speck said. only allow same-day reservations within strict time limits. Thats because theres full hookups at this RV park, and many more amenities and facilities here than youll find in state park campgrounds. A national credit rating service has improved its opinion of WhidbeyHealths financial future. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. 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. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a . The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Ebeys Landing is a 5.5-mile hike suitable for the whole family, including the pup! Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. As you can see, this Whidbey Island camping option opens up opportunities for lots of activities! 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. In Washington, digging for clams is a popular sport year round. 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 general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. 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. Consider going glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington and explore some pretty amazing outdoor locations. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. 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. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. Note: An additional Special Activity Permit is required for group activities and events such as wedding ceremonies, races, other sports events etc. 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. 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. Couldnt be happier!. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. North Whidbey RV Park provides 100 full hookup sites, and each campsite has a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire pit. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. It is located 127 feet above the Puget Sound waterway and has fantastic views. The advantages to staying here is the opportunity to be immersed in nature as the campgrounds are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. There is no upland access to this beach. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. . You might cross the popular Deception Cross Bridge on your way. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Whidbey Island Seafood Company sources the highest quality seafood caught from Pacific Northwest fisherman, and delivers your bounty directly to your front door. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. Crabbing from Cornet Bay is a viable option if that is not possible. There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. It even includes one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Washington State. 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. Oak Harbor Music Festival happens in September and features over 30 bands across all music genres. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. 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. Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. 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. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. Each digger must keep his or her own container of clams in their possession. It was a little bit of a rude shock, Speck said during a telephone interview. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. 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. 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. On top of that the entire campground has free WiFi! Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. Bowman Bay Campground. So you get a great opportunity to watch the whales pass by for quite some time. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! There is a park office that sells firewood, ice, snacks, and a range of other items for you to check out too. Grey whales will typically dig for ghost shrimp, while orcas will chase the seals, so both are amazing experiences to watch. 100% 10 Reviews. Its a much more peaceful campground than the more popular Deception Pass, so if youre looking for serenity away from the crowds, this is a great choice. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. 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. 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. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. Weve posed that question to DOH and we havent gotten an answer yet, Higman said. 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. 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. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. It includes a barbecue and four picnic tables, accommodating up to 30 guests. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Enjoy Whidbey Island camping rentals and don't miss out. 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. BIOLOGISTS SAID they hope to discover whats happening through studies and testing. Well we know this area well, and so want to share with you everything we know about the island. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. On top of that kayaks and canoes can be rented from the concession stand at Bowman Bay. Also, they are known to carry paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, for longer periods of time. Welcome to Wandering our World! Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. 100% 6 Reviews. IN A recent letter to local regulators, the agency said Island Countys long efforts paid off, but additional monitoring of the shoreline revealed the presence of Enterococcus bacteria, a genus of lactic acid bacteria, during peak summer months. 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. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. 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 So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! And also fireplaces to keep warm during colder nights. Eagles may be viewed at Lake Pondilla. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. Double Bluff Beach is a 2-mile area where your dog can run and play in the sand without any problems or tickets issued. The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. The cozy tent can accommodate up to three persons, providing a comfortable king-sized bed and an extra cot, if needed. There is one downside though navy jets sometimes train at night directly above. 2023 Glamping Hub International Inc. All rights reserved. Enjoy a luxe glamping experience in the middle of the forest, on a farm. Even watching the paragliders jump off and glide can be an amazing sight. are plentiful. 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. There are also ten tent campsites tucked into the treeline with partial ocean views. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. There are no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Available for a limited time only. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. 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. Fort Ebey State Park boasts 645 acres of camping, mountain biking, and hiking. There is no electricity or dumping station. Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. 6325 Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA 98249-9567. Its another great spot to see orcas or grey whales passing by. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. May 15 with a seaweed and shellfish license. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. 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. There is an unsheltered picnic area with 68 picnic tables and one fire ring for community use. For upcoming dates check . Wonderful people, amazing service (our second order was actually delivered the same day!! I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Contact park staff for details. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands. Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. Whidbey farm talks to provide meaty discussion; Federal grant to fund Island County road . Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. 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. You should bring a torch or headlamp so you can explore fully. Watch out for piles of crab shells those indicate where the octopus live! Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before its too late! Whidbey Island is home to some of the best clamming in the state of Washington. They want to know where it comes from, how it was caught and processed and whether it comes from sustainable fisheries. Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. WHIDBEY ISLAND has few good public beaches to dig clams, and Holmes Harbor was one of the best, she said. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 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). Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. A Locals Guide To Hayling Island Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More! 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. Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. Our seafood is flash frozen on-board, ensuring our customers that they are purchasing the safe and quality product. Theres also a kids playground, fenced-off pets area, gazebo with a barbecue, and its close to the marina and multiple boat launches. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. 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. Dont miss watching the sunset at the must-visit destination, Deception Pass State Park with its picturesque rugged cliffs. Its close to Freeland on the south end of the island too. There are only a handful of protection districts in Washington and there isnt a lot of precedent for removing them.