Fall arriving in Ocean Shores means trees take on their autumn foliage and certain activities are at their prime. Experience all this popular Pacific Northwest town has to offer without dealing with the large summer crowds by reserving your stay at Oyhut Bay Seaside Village for the off-season. In addition to enjoying fall activities like leaf-peeping and storm-watching, this time of year is also clamming season in Washington. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about digging for razor clams.
Tools of the Trade
Before digging for clams on an Ocean Shores beach, you must have the proper tools. This includes a clamming license, which can be purchased online or at local businesses. Once you have your license, there are a few other key pieces of equipment you need, like a clam shovel, net, and a clam gun, which can be either metal or PVC.
Where Can You Dig?
There are a few different prime locations for clam digging near Ocean Shores. Head to the shoreline on Mocrocks Beach between the Copalis River and the Quinault Indian Reservation’s south boundary. Another option is on Copalis Beach from the north jetty at the opening of Grays Harbor to the Copalis River. While you can certainly head out on your own, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will also organize digs. As you walk along the shoreline, keep an eye out for a clam show, which can look like a dimple or doughnut. This is where you will want to dig!
When Is It Time to Dig?
Just like there are certain times of year you can cast your line fishing, there are also restrictions on when you can go clamming. The WDFW determines the season each year. They look at several factors like testing for toxins and assessing the clam population. While the season sometimes remains open in the spring, it most commonly occurs in the fall and winter. When deciding when to head out, you’ll want to aim for low tide, as the receding water can help expose razor clams.
Enjoy the Ultimate Ocean Shores Escape with Oyhut Bay
One of the most quintessential Pacific Northwest activities is clamming, and the best way to experience this for yourself is by booking your Washington cottage rental for the fall season. There’s no better place to call home for an autumn escape than an Ocean Shores rental from Oyhut Bay Seaside Village.
This walkable village has everything you need to unwind after a day filled with all kinds of adventure. Whip up a delicious meal in your fully-equipped kitchen with ingredients from a local grocery store before heading over to our community fire pit. Whether staying for a week or long weekend, our Ocean Shores rentals are the perfect home base for everyone from couples to families. Call 360-209-1886 to learn more about booking your stay.