CHOOSE YOUR BEACH / WASHINGTON COAST

Long Beach Razor Clamming Guide

A Pacific dig, a welcome at Clam Base, and Willapa Bay the next day.

Start with the official opening.

Check WDFW’s current schedule for Long Beach. Confirm the date, legal hours, low tide, boundaries and marine-toxin status. A tentative date is not an opening.

Plan your arrival.

Allow time for parking, gearing up and the walk to the sand. Around two hours before listed low tide is a planning starting point, subject to allowed hours and beach conditions. Watch the surf and keep your group together.

Pack the basics.

Bring your license where required, clam gun or shovel, a separate catch container for each digger, boots, waterproof layers, a light for evening digs, and a cooler with ice.

Start at Clam Base.

Shoalwater Bay Yacht Club in Ocean Park is home to Clam Base. At announced sessions, join the free orientation, borrow one of the limited free loaner guns, and return for free blanching, cleaning help and ice. Bring your own gun if you have one.

Make a trip of it.

Use Ocean Park, Long Beach & Ilwaco as starting points for places to eat, drink, stay and explore. Choose lodging that suits your crew and confirm current hours with businesses before visiting.

Visit Ocean Park businesses after your dig. The next day, turn toward Oysterville and Willapa Bay for oysters and working shellfish culture.

Tests as well as tides.

Every opening depends on marine-toxin testing and final state approval. Learn about domoic acid and check the Marine Toxin Watch before you leave.

Your next steps.

Plan your first trip · Learn to dig · Clean your catch