100% 6 Reviews. It's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . The following areas have been closed for recreational harvest of butter and varnish clams only: West Whidbey Island Admiralty Bay Useless Bay The park features 2 miles of shoreline on Puget Sound, and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake. If there are no restrictions in place, then recreational fires are allowed on Whidbey Island without a permit, as long as they meet certain requirements: The best time to camp on Whidbey Island is between May and October, as the weather is pleasant for most of the time then, and the rainfall isnt as heavy. With a nautical soul and agricultural heart, this 45-mile-long island in Puget Sound feels like the West Coast's version of Nantucket. Harvest profile The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. 2023 Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. 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! Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. 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). St. Augustine's in-the-Woods is just north of the town of Freeland near the south end of Whidbey Island, about 25 miles north of Seattle and 6 miles from Everett. Catch-and-release fly fishing at Whidbey's Pass Lake is for serious fly fisher folks who enjoy donning waders and plunking down in float tubes. The island is significant both historically and culturally. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. There are just 15 campsites in total, and three can accommodate RVs but those only have a water hookup. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. And if you get a recreational license, you can go freshwater fishing, seaweed harvesting, or shellfish harvesting, so youve even got something to cook on your campfire in the evening! Fall asleep to the sound of nature on your queen-sized air mattress while snuggled inside the comforter. South Whidbey State Park is a 381-acre day-use park with views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. 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. The best time to dig for clams is during the low tide. 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. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. 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. If the tide is low, you should drive around to see if there are any other clams. It is the homeland of the Skagit, Snohomish and Swinomish people, among others. The campground has 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup campsites that provide water and electricity for RVs. The second section is a narrow beach that can be used by boat to catch clams. If youre looking for a permit, you can pick it up at Bucks Northwest in town. Penn Cove's "blue beauties" star at Coupeville's annual Musselfest 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. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. The digging will be short lived, however. A store in the park provides camping essentials like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood. 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. This particular beach was loaded with steamers You could show up and in 20 minutes have your limit, he said. Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with more than 14 miles of saltwater shoreline, and 8 miles of freshwater shoreline on three different lakes just north of Oak Harbor. Free . We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. There are no more accommodations that exactly fit your criteria. Contact - St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods Camping is available at nearbyFort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks. In Washington, you can purchase a permit, check toxin levels, and plan your trip online at the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. A recreational vehicle sanitary dump station is available during regular park hours. Zoom in to see updated info. 100% 3 Reviews. Below we show you the best campgrounds on Whidbey Island, explain the rules around dispersed camping on Whidbey Island, and even show you the best places to spot whales and orcas! It was originally a coastal defense fort in World War II. 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! Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. Clams prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, but in general, I prefer shallower areas with a rocky bottom. Featured Products Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught $14.53 Public ownership of this tideland does not extend across the entire tidal range of the beach. 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). Double Bluff County Park - Tripadvisor So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. 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. Clams is one of the more difficult quests or missions to complete in New World. 13 Fantastic Things to do on Whidbey Island - Ordinary Adventures Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. The case was widely publicized, and in 1978, the court ruled in favor of Noel, forever changing the way the state manages forests. You cant get any fresher than the mussels served on the island. Young visitors are encouraged to become Junior Rangers. What better way than camping! You can try broadening your search by changing some of the filters or move and zoom-out into the map to show more results. Best Clams in Whidbey Island, WA - Tripadvisor . This beach is known for its large number of clams and its easy digging conditions. This is one of the most popular Whidbey island parks. We source seafood products from fisheries that use up-to-date sustainable and traceable methods to ensure quality. Please bear this in mind to guarantee your reservation. Washington state has serious problems with wildfires and often issues bans on any type of recreational fires, including campfires. 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. The park is actually located on two islands Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. Clamming hotspot on South Whidbey to reopen, but dig limited to six Shellfish - Island County, Washington There are also a number of sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas with tables and barbecues for community use spread around the campground and beach area. A Local's Guide To Whidbey Island Camping: Best Campgrounds, Dispersed Whidbey Island is home to some seriously famous and tasty mussels. 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. How to find us: 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA 98249. 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. Then we'll take a boat tour of the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm. 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. Look for bays and estuaries with plenty of tidal flow. Its not without hope, she said. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Alaskan Black Cod (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Coho Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Shortraker Rockfish (Portion) - Wild Caught, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Portion) - Wild Caught. There is also an opportunity to buy a case of 12 mixed bottles from each venue for $20-$25. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Learn to dig for clams in the popular Digging for Dinner class. Address: 1280 Engle Road Coupeville, WA 98239. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Fishing on Whidbey Island - Best Fishing in America During the same period, varnish clam numbers jumped from about seven- and-a-half per square foot to nearly 11.5 per square foot. 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. Theres activities and food available and the festival attracts around 90,000 people over three days! A large beach is located in the first section, which is ideal for walking and shellfishing. The Pacific Northwest is well known for having big rain seasons, and camping in the rain is not especially pleasant! Oak Harbor Public Schools is facing more bad news on the horizon. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. The accommodations indicated with the icon The Most Recent Change Since the Last Bulletin is - Washington Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. If you want to legally harvest Dungeness or Red Rock crab from Whidbey Island, you should buy a boat. Dispersed camping is going to be challenging on Whidbey Island due to the limited available official options. Permission is required from the landowner. There is also a park store that provides camping essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, water, and a range of other items. Welcome to Wandering our World! Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island - meetup.com Holmes Harbor was closed to shellfish harvesting in March 2007 with the formation of the Holmes Harbor Shellfish Protection District. Campfires shouldnt be more than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high. A boat ramp can be found on the beachs east side, and a dock can be found on the beachs west side. The park has three large campgrounds with 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites, and five sites dedicated to hikers or bikers. 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. There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. 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. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! 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. We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. Theres even an old battery dug into the high bluffs here that you can explore as part of your adventures around Fort Ebey Park. Whidbey Island has a number of festivals where you can enjoy the local flavors, art, music, and natural beauty of this place. Dispersed camping is legal for 14 days within a 30-day period in the same location. But if youre excited about seeing jets race above your head, then this is a fantastic location. Prices will vary each month depending on number of classes offered. Available for a limited time only. 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. 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. And if youre planing your own Whidbey Island camping adventure then youre in the right place! Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. This park is huge and has 38 miles of hiking trails, six miles of horseback riding trails, and three miles of bike trails! What can be fresher than taking it from the ocean yourself? Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. 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. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. A former Oak Harbor man is accused of hitting a man with a shovel and knocking him unconscious. 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. You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. Fort Casey was being used by the military in the 1800s up until the 1940s and the remnants of that time are everywhere. Ask Francis P about Double Bluff County Park. Youll find a huge range of outdoor adventure activities here too, from hiking and kayaking to paragliding! Clams can be found in many different places along the Washington coast. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from 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. 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.