A Brief History
Clam digging has a long-standing tradition on the Long Beach Peninsula and Westport, Washington. Native Americans who live on the Washington Coast have relied on razor clams as a source of protein and trade items for thousands of years. And the Long Beach Peninsula has celebrated the annual Razor Clam Festival for over 80 years. So uncovering these mollusks continues to be an integral part of the Pacific Northwest culture and community today.
Excavating clams along the Washington Coast is an activity everyone in the family will love. Looking for razor clams is an easy, fun, and affordable pastime that brings returning tourists to the Pacific Northwest every year. You don’t need any prior experience for this activity; everyone from little ones to grandparents can enjoy this activity. So gather the family and read on to learn how to get started.
Where to Find Clams
You can look for clams anywhere on the Long Beach Peninsula and Westport, except for a few small restricted areas. And since you can drive on the beaches, looking for clams in multiple locations is a breeze. You can find all of the open razor clam beaches in the area here.
How to Clean and Cook Clams
Clamming is more than just a fun activity; they are also incredibly delicious to eat. The first step after digging is to clean your mollusks. Follow along with this instructional video and learn the easiest way to clean your razor clams. After they are clean, you have to decide how you want to prepare them. Check out this easy and tasty fried razor clam recipe or this classic Pacific razor clam chowder recipe.
To embark on your shellfish searching adventure, you need a few things to get you started. You will need a shovel or specialized clam gun, boots, a container, and a license for those 15 or older. Many of our properties at Bloomer Estates Washington Coast Vacation Rentals already have clam guns, so check with the team before you buy anything. If there is no digging equipment in your vacation rental, then you can stop by our local department stores to buy everything you may need, including boots, clam shovels, and a net. The local pharmacies may also carry clam guns.
