Support Us Button Widget

What to know about razor clam digging in Western Washington

Clam guns are a-blazin’ now.

More than a dozen razor clams laid out on a beach as someone displays two in their hands next to a shovel

Pacific razor clams have thicker bodies than their straight razor-like cousins on the Atlantic coast.

Photo via Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Slip on those rubber boots and dig thisrazor clam season in Washington is in full force.

Anyone who’s been to esteemed Seattle seafood joints like Taylor Shellfish and Salty’s on Alki know the magic of razor clams. The meaty mollusks are larger than your typical Manila clam, with a subtle flavor profile between briny and sweet.

Razor clams are so popular that Washington lawmakers are considering making it the official state clam (sorry, geoduck lovers). Much of the appeal is in the sandy hunt on local beaches — here’s how to find those suckers yourself.

Where to dig

Razor clams are scattered around coastal beaches that are exposed at low tide, with several in the Ocean Shores/Aberdeen area a two-hour drive from Seattle. Digs have been announced for Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks through Sunday, Feb. 25.

There are 17 more dates approved for next month and the Ocean Shores Razor Clams & Seafood Festival takes place March 15-17. The fest is free to attend, with live music, contests, and local shellfish as far as the eye can see.

Start prepping

As always — safety first. State officials regularly test for marine toxins that can find their way into clams and make you sick. Keep an eye on the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s WDFW) website to see if the coast is clear. Such alerts can sometimes arrive with just a day or two advance notice. (WDFW can help you with oyster harvesting, too.)

Diggers 15 years or older must get a license, which you can order online at a cost of ~$10-$17. The license will take 7-10 business days to receive, but you can print a temporary one if you need it ASAP.

To gear up, grab a clam gun and waterproof boots at local shops like Seattle Marine & Fishing Supply Co. or Big 5 Sporting Goods, and you’ll be good to go.

More from SEAtoday
The highly popular doughnut chain will open its new Capitol Hill doors on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Seattle is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
Grind still going well after the sun goes down? These late-night studying spots in Seattle provide a comfy place to get cracking on your project.
Here are a few creative ways to get rid of your Halloween pumpkins and fallen leaves instead of tossing them in the garbage can.
A mysterious aerobics bike at Gas Works Park converted into a secret photo booth — it doesn’t get more Seattle than that.
After a few different plans to fix a $91.5 million budget gap, Seattle Public Schools has announced the four schools it officially intends to close in the 2025-26 school year.
Give Seattle’s vast culinary options a taste test with specially crafted menus at 200+ local restaurants.
Grab your biggest buckets — these Seattle neighborhoods offer the best treats, no tricks needed.
Equipped with a marine-themed playground, tree grove, fountain, and plaza, Pier 58’s rebuild is bringing a whole new community gathering space to Seattle’s Waterfront.