WDFW Beach Season Information
Clam, mussel, and oyster seasons OPEN for harvest year-round.
WDFW shellfish seasons indicate the specific times of year when harvesting is permitted. Before heading to the beach, please also check the Department of Health (DOH) information below which is related to health of the shellfish and may be updated daily. To harvest on this beach, it must be both during the WDFW approved season and approved by the DOH.
Samish Island Recreation Area provides the island's only public beach access to 1800 feet of shoreline. A sign at the trailhead reminds users the area is limited to 1500 feet to the west and 300 feet to the east the access point. Here you may find butter clams, Manila clams, native littleneck clams, cockles, horse clams, eastern softshell clams, and even geoduck clams at extreme low tides. Oysters are not common at this location.
From I-5 take exit 236 and head west on Bow Hill Rd. and follow 4 miles. At Bow, bear left on 237. Take a right at the stop sign onto Bayview Edison Rd. Take a left at the four way stop onto Samish Island Rd. Take a right on Wharf Rd. and follow to the dead end. There is very limited parking.
A large sign at this site reads "Samish Island Beach Access." The trail from the road to the edge of the bluff has been improved and graveled, and there is a metal staircase to the beach for public access. A picnic table, garbage can and a porta-potty near the road are provided for people to use, although parking is still limited. This site is maintained by Skagit County Parks & Recreation and co-owned with the Department of Natural Resources.