So whether you want to pitch a tent in a rustic nature-orientated campground, or go luxury camping in your deluxe RV, theres a spot for you here. 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. This is probably the most scenic of the Whidbey island parks. Walking through the old WWI coastal fortifications is a must for anyone visiting the island. Some of these beaches, however, may have seasonal restrictions or be closed to prevent over-harvesting. Whidbey Island Seafood Company We pride ourselves on the quality of wild-caught America seafood we source and provide to our customers. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) In 1977, controversy erupted when the Department of Natural Resources announced plans to clear-cut 255 acres of trust land forest, known as the "Classic-U" tract, bordering South Whidbey State Park to the east of Smuggler's Cove Road. The roads and pads are concrete for easy manoeuvrability too. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Some popular places to dig for clams include Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and Puget Sound. 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. Clamming hotspot on South Whidbey to reopen, but dig limited to six If you prefer to take the ferry, take I-5 North and take exit 182. Smooth as Rice 58 subscribers Clam digging at Double Bluff Beach on Whidbey Island in Washington State and cooking up some clam chowder afterwards. Though dispersed camping is legal on Whidbey Island, and across the entire state of Washington. To complete the experience, why not sleep under the stars? Luckily Whidbey Island has a number of amazing campgrounds that will fit almost anybodys needs. 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. 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. Knowing the tide times ahead of time will assist you in planning your crabbing trip. There is a pro-shop and a grass driving range for practice. We also use third party cookies for advertising and analytics purposes. 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. So read on to begin your Whidbey Island camping adventure! For upcoming dates check . The beach is popular with clamming enthusiasts, and there is plenty of parking. To access the island, you avail of a ferry service or opt for a scenic drive from Mount Vernon. Whidbey Island vacations in nature await. Your seafood is packed in dry ice and shipped to your doorstep within 3 days of leaving our facility. The most common months for digging are April-September, but digging can happen at any time of year. On top of that we show you our favorite hikes on the island, share a free camping game thats perfect for camping on Whidbey, and even more. Seasons, limits, and methods for catching crabs vary by season and location. Available for a limited time only. Self-pay with cash or check only. Zoom in to see updated info. No smoking gun was ever discovered, but water quality from fresh water outlets has improved significantly, according to state Department of Health officials. When clamming, people should check online at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety to make sure beaches aren't closed because of biotoxins. Youll be taken 300 feet high on top of the bluffs to see fantastic views back down onto the rocky beaches. It will inspire you with art pieces that are intricately designed and encourage you to unleash the artist in you using the watercolors, pastels, journaling paper, and musical instruments provided. 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. This glamping spot is right for you if you love S'mores and good coffee! The Top 3 Whidbey Island Campgrounds The traditional bell tent gives out rustic vibes and is tucked in nature. He contacted Charles Ehlert, a young Seattle environmental law attorney, who filed a landmark lawsuit Noel v. Cole. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. Everything You Need to Know About Whidbey, Top 5 Winter Activities on Whidbey Island, Central Whidbey Restaurants Coupeville and Greenbank. Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over at any time for several hours. Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an interactive map and list of the locations along with seasons and other regulations. Go glamping in a Whidbey Island luxury lodging! There are five covered pavilions for community use that have picnic tables and barbecues available too. Bowman Bay Campground. And theres no better place to go clamming than Whidbey Island. Enjoy! Whidbey Island has a huge range of hiking trails to match everybodys level of fitness and ability. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing Whether you're a freshwater or saltwater fishing enthusiast, the islands are alive with seafood! Automated pay station:This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass. In general, clam diggers will need a shovel and a bucket, and a permit may be required in some areas. What better way than camping! You can take hot showers in the outdoor shower area. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. 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. 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 park features a beach access trail and an old-growth forest with lush undergrowth. If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can choose from hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or swimming on the beach while here. Clams and mussels may be found at many of these beaches and may be collected and consumed safely throughout the year. Earn 4.00% APY* with our 48-month promotional certificate. Most are easily accessible from any of the campgrounds around the island. Lone, Deer, Goss, Cranberry and Pass lakes are all stocked annually. Clamming is a great way to enjoy the beach and get some delicious seafood all at the same time. Heres our list of 24 Whidbey and Camano Trails that are not as busy as the islands more popular trails. Learn More Its situated in a largely forested area thats well-known for the huge number of rhododendrons that bloom during spring hence the name! There are a limited number of pull-through RV sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. The best place to dig clams on Whidbey Island is at Double Bluff Beach. There are several outfitters that incorporate digging during a boating or whale watching tour around the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. If its seabird poop does that constitute a health risk?, Higman said. 1. 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's a 45-minute cruise with a tour guide that tells you more than you ever knew about . Digging For Dinner - Sound Water Stewards of Island County, WA Penn Cove Shellfish, which grows and sells millions of mussels annually, prides itself on growing mussels free of fertilizer or feed. 1. Many of the trails are short at 2-3 miles long, but are suitable for the whole family. We found great results, but some are outside Whidbey Island. You deserve an escape from the day to day. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Autumn on Whidbey Wine, Spirits, and Art Tour happens in November, and is a self-guided tour of five of the best wineries and distilleries on the island. Exact property boundaries are not clearly identifiable in the field. Having lain untouched for nearly a decade, she was expecting to find a stable and healthy fishery. Scroll down to find the best glamping spots on Whidbey Island, USA, for a stay amidst nature. Local small-scale logger Jack Noel recognized the forest's value as the last remnant of old growth on South Whidbey Island. 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. There is no upland access to this beach. The campsites are also spacious and feel very private thanks to all the forest and trees you will be surrounded by. This presents a pretty exciting opportunity, she said. A limited fishery will likely be the case for many years to come, Speck said. When you buy seafood caught from the Baranof you are buying direct from the primary producer. Whidbey Island definitely offers a complete nature retreat. PDF ARNOLD FARM, BARN HABS WA-244-A 1948 Arnold Road Coupeville vicinity One of my favorite things about Whidbey Island is our huge selection of State and local parks. There is also a record player for those who are into the classic way of enjoying music. Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island - meetup.com Our seafood is flash frozen on-board, ensuring our customers that they are purchasing the safe and quality product. Tree branches cant be within 15 feet of the fire. South Whidbey State Park is open for day use only. One big requirement to stay here though, is that you or someone youre with must be an active or retired military employee, a veteran, a reservist, or similar. Somebody 16 years or older must be with the fire at all times. Im talking a one-fourth acre or less of the seven acres of productive habitat, she said. Despite the development and setback to returning to year-round harvest, Speck said shes optimistic. And spending your night glamping nestled in the woods. One of the most enjoyable aspects of living on the Washington coast is being able to soak up the tides natural rhythms. The best time to see whales around Whidbey Island is between March and May for grey whales, and May to October for orcas. Those guided tours are not only fun, but super interesting too. 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. Thats a shame, said Eugene Thrasher, Whidbeys widely recognized clamming guru. You can hike, or fish the many beaches, or stroll the many walking-friendly shopping venues featuring a variety of restaurants to please anyone. 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. Check out the amazing list of hand-selected luxury camping vacations and book a Whidbey Island glamping getaway before it's too late! The Captain Whidbey's beautiful waterfront setting, edible gardens and Penn Cove view, provided all guests with a memorable experience. Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source. Last updated on October 5, 2022 by Wandering our World. This yurt is surrounded by tall coniferous trees, making you feel secluded in nature. 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. Here's a sample of the class taught by beach watcher Gene Thrasher. Please try again with another location or different dates. Another two extremely popular activities at Fort Ebey are surfing, as well as paragliding from the bluff. Limit search to Whidbey Island. This park provides 52 full hookup RV campsites, and most have an ocean view. 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. Its a showcase of local artists, including painters, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Give your savings a boost. Permission is required from the landowner. Why? We dug up cockles, horse, manila, and. Joseph Whidbey Campground. Here you can find Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve, the earliest national historical reserve in the US. 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 no big chains here, just homey bed-and-breakfasts . Hidden Beach is a public beach that has incredible views far out into the ocean. Catching a crab and cooking it there on the beach (or back home) is a great way to enjoy this seafood favorite. This will be a pretty awesome day trip from Seattle. Even if its the summer months, its always a good idea to check tide tables before sailing out to sea. South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. Join us for Penn Cove Mussel Fest on Whidbey Island! Youll be able to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903. For a perfect glamping experience, there is a large deck and a fire pit available on site. 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. If youre in the same water as I mentioned above, look for Flint on the beach or on the shore. Save. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege. Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, within walking distance of each other, challenging cliffside hiking trails, Canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, and more. The island was charted by Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer, in 1792. DNR-100 (Whidbey Island) Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round. Camping and then catching the sunrise over those bridges is spectacular, and an absolute must if you do choose to stay here. The results were enough to warrant a conditional reopening of the beach for nine months of the year. They showcase their best products with fabulous food, whilst local artists showcase their art at each venue. If you are clamming on Whidbey Island, make sure to check the state Department of Health's website for a list of beach closures. 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. So facilities wise, this is easily one of the best Whidbey Island camping options for RVs. If youre a huge hiking enthusiast looking for the best scenic hiking around Whidbey Island, weve got you covered with the hikes below. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100) Show all photos. Classes are held at Double Bluff County Park ( Getting to the Water's Edge site #44), one of Whidbey Island's best clamming beaches. The island is also an artists paradise, home to painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, writers, and performers. Clam Digging at Double Bluff Beach & How to Make Clam Chowder We cant deny that our customers love to eat quality seafood, and we are proud to help them with their cravings. Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman said the reopening, though limited, is welcome news and a testament to the countys long efforts. Admiralty, Mutiny and Useless bays have other good spots. 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. And if you want to go crab hunting for your dinner, there are excellent spots on the beach. 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. are plentiful. Double Bluff County Park - Tripadvisor Register for this class at the Active Generations' information desk. We were successful at our first try and caught enough clams for a good meal. 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. It is possible to keep 15 razor clams at first, but each digger must keep a separate container. Try these and enjoy nature with a bit more solitude. Staying at Fort Ebey State Park means youll be surrounded by the park and ocean and the range of activities that both provide. Another one of the fantastic features of this park is the Keystone Underwater Dive Park, which provides two distinct dive spots, the Keystone Jetty and the abandoned dock pilings. Its just north of Freeland on the south end of the island. Clams are only found in saltwater, so you should avoid lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and any body of water where they are found. 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. There is also an opportunity to buy a case of 12 mixed bottles from each venue for $20-$25. 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. 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. From exciting outdoor activities to laid-back strolling through the downtown or the beaches, there is something for every traveler. DNR-142 (Whidbey Island) is accessible by boat only. Penn Cove's "blue beauties" star at Coupeville's annual Musselfest 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. The perfect Whidbey Island campgrounds are only a mouse click away! Glamping in Whidbey Island, Washington, United States of America 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. Fort Casey Historical State Park Campground has one restroom and several showers for campers to use. Heres a few that are worth knowing about: Penn Cove Mussel Festival happens in March and has the world-famous Whidbey Island mussels showcased in a range of food, mussel eating contests, fun activities, and tours of the local farms. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Seawall Park is located just below Langley, and you can watch whales pass by there. It was a little bit of a rude shock, Speck said during a telephone interview. Come taste world famous mussels and learn how they are grown on a farm tour. A Long Weekend on Whidbey Island, the Playground of the Pacific There are multiple other trails that you can connect to if you want a longer hike, including Fern Gully and Ridge Loop Trails. So if youre looking for an activity based camping vacation this is a fantastic campground to stay at. South Whidbey State Park Old Growth Forest is a quick 2.2-mile hike through the forest of old-growth cedar and large old Douglas fir trees. Address: 400 Hill Valley Dr., Coupeville, WA 98239. Appearing in the 1980s, they are native to Asia. A Local's Guide To Whidbey Island Camping: Best Campgrounds, Dispersed A pleasant and short ferry ride from Mukilteo . 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. There are several heated showers and restrooms, as well as a coin-operated laundry too. Luxury forest yurt on a working farm (from USD 100), 2. The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. 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. Youll need to make a reservation online if you want to stay at any specific site. Captain Whidbey Restaurant - Coupeville, WA | OpenTable Claims and Buildings of Central Whidbey Island (Coupeville, WA: Island County Historical Society, 1973), 75. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Noel rallied the community, and a group called Save the Trees was formed to support the effort. You deserve an escape from the day to day. Definitely our always go-to for seafood on Whidbey Island!, Your fish is consistently of the highest quality and flavor! So you must check if there are any burn restrictions in place before starting any type of fire on Whidbey Island. Rhododendron Campground provides vault toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, fire rings, and freshwater is available. The primary booker can sponsor two other campsites if there is availability though. She once visited a pristine island, which inspired her to travel further and tell more stories about the world. Sounds good right? Whidbey Island is a perfect location to head on a whale-watching excursion from one of the many tour operators. Balance Class - Active Generations Free . ), and very high quality sea food. For additional information and a permit, call the park at (360) 678-4519 or send an email. There is no electricity or dumping station.