Potlatch State Park beach has more oysters than the Potlatch DNR portion.
Oyster harvests are excellent along the stretch of beach closest to the road and near Enetai Creek. Varnish clams are predominately found in the upper intertidal zone along the southern shoreline of Potlatch State Park and Potlatch DNR.Ĭheck near Enetai Creek for Eastern softshell clams which like freshwater filtration. Dig in the middle intertidal zone in the sand and gravel. Potlatch DNR has mostly butter clams but other clams can still be found. They are usually lower in tidal elevation than Manila clams and not quite as abundant.īutter clams are most prevalent in the lower intertidal zone in front of the parking lot and in the southern end of the beach. Search for native littleneck clams along the entire stretch of beach. Manila clams can be found along the stretch of beach closest to the highway and in middle/upper intertidal zones on the large tide flat at the southern end of Annas Bay. They are not spread out equally so knowing target areas will help you narrow down the search. You can expect to find six varieties of shellfish here. There are no facilities on the Potlatch DNR land. The facilities at Potlatch State Park include restrooms, showers, potable water, picnic areas and camping. To access this beach, you must park in the Potlatch State Park’s main parking lot at the northern end. Parking is prohibited along Highway 101 and is strictly enforced as the land between the road and the beach is privately owned. Only 35 minutes from Olympia, Potlatch State Park and Potlatch DNR land combine in over a mile long stretch of beach that parallels Highway 101. Harvest: Manila clams, Littleneck clams, Butter clams, Varnish clams, Eastern softshell clams, Oysters Look for oysters among scattered rocky patches. This beach exposes good clamming areas even with relatively high tides but low tide provides the best chance to harvest your limit of clams. Eastern softshell clams and oysters are also present. Try the southeast portion as the gravel is not quite as muddy. Bring good boots and a shovel or small garden rake to pull up the clams. Manila clams are abundant on this muddy beach. Be cognizant of private property and watch for boundary signs. There is a short trail leading from the parking lot to the beach.
Public parking is located off Highway 3 in the WDFW parking lot. The best clamming is found at the Bayshore Preserve.
Located in Mason County, Oakland Bay is a 45 minute drive from Olympia. Harvest: Manila clams, Eastern softshell clams, Oysters Here are 7 of the best public clamming beaches available in the Puget Sound.Īs always, make sure to check both the Department of Health and the WDFW beach status before digging. You can search from the list of beaches (click ‘Find Beaches’ to open the entire list) or you can use the interactive map once you open one to visually choose another beach. Save yourself the time and frustration by doing a little bit of research before you head out for a day of clamming. For many of the beaches, not much is known regarding clam populations. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lists on their website 448 public access beaches. A license, shovel, and bucket are the only necessities.īefore heading out, stack the odds in your favor even more by making sure you’re going to a beach known for good clamming! We’ve researched and visited these 7 great beaches in the Puget Sound and they won’t disappoint! Clamming doesn’t require a lot of gear or money. Providing fresh clams for your table is a fun and rewarding experience.
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