Washington Coast Okays A Week of Clam Digs Starting Today at Long Beach, Copalis, More

Published 04/01/26 at 6:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Long Beach, Washington) – Today is the first day of a week that really matters – if you're a fan of clam digging on the Washington coast. From April 1 through April 7, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved seven consecutive days of razor clam digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, with additional tentative dates planned through early May.

WDFW coastal shellfish biologist Bryce Blumenthal said recent morning digs produced good results and high hopes.

“We had some nice conditions and successful digging during the first weekend of morning harvest during the last tide series,” Blumenthal told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Hopefully, the swell and weather don’t have any tricks up their sleeves and will allow similar success for the upcoming April Fools’ Day digs."

He also reminded diggers that the 2026–2027 license year begins April 1 and a new recreational fishing license is required.

Copalis and Mocrocks will not be open every day, and WDFW urges diggers to confirm beach-specific openings before traveling.

All digs remain contingent on marine toxin results from the Washington State Department of Health. Beaches can only open when domoic acid levels fall below state health thresholds. DOH typically issues final clearance within a week of each tide series.

Domoic acid is like the curse of shellfish enthusiasts. It's a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain algae and can be harmful if consumed in high amounts, and has a tendency to shut down not only clam-digging fun but crabbing and other shellfish activities on the Washington coast and Oregon coast. Sometimes it happens for months at a time.

However, all is hunky dory on the Washington side. More Washington Coast

Recent biotoxin closures affecting other shellfish species do not apply to razor clams or crab. Some species accumulate toxins more quickly and retain them longer; DOH’s shellfish safety map outlines which species are safe to harvest.

Washington Coast Weather

Approved morning digs (midnight to noon only):

April 1, Wednesday, 6:45 a.m., 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 2, Thursday, 7:22 a.m., 0.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 3, Friday, 7:57 a.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 4, Saturday, 8:32 a.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 5, Sunday, 9:08 a.m., -0.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 6, Monday, 9:46 a.m., 0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 7, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Additional tentative morning digs (midnight to noon unless noted):

April 17, Friday, 6:58 a.m., -0.9 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival)
April 18, Saturday, 7:41 a.m., -1.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival)
April 19, Sunday, 8:26 a.m., -1.8 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 20, Monday, 9:14 a.m., -1.7 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 21, Tuesday, 10:07 a.m., -1.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 22, Wednesday, 11:06 a.m., -0.8 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 2 p.m.)
April 23, Thursday, 12:11 p.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging extended until 2 p.m.)

April 30, Thursday, 6:26 a.m., -0.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
May 1, Friday, 7:01 a.m., -0.7 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
May 2, Saturday, 7:35 a.m., -0.8 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
May 3, Sunday, 8:08 a.m., -0.8 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
May 4, Monday, 8:43 a.m., -0.7 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
May 5, Tuesday, 9:21 a.m., -0.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
May 6, Wednesday, 10:03 a.m., -0.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

WDFW notes that the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide.

The daily limit on all open beaches is 15 clams per person. Each digger must keep the first 15 clams they harvest and store them separately. All diggers age 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Licenses for the new license year may be purchased online or from authorized dealers statewide. WDFW’s MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps provide digital licensing tools, harvest reporting, and fishing regulations. See https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed due to continued low numbers of harvestable clams.

The 2025–2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. The agency continues to accept public comments on proposed digging schedules at razorclams@dfw.wa.gov.

WDFW manages fish, wildlife, and ecosystems statewide while supporting sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.

,

 

Vacation Homes with Kitchens in High Demand for Holiday on Oregon Coast, Here...
From Washington coast down through Depoe Bay: what vacation rentals are open. Hotel news, lodging news, Depoe Bay hotel reviews, Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews

In Manzanita, Susan's Beach Cottage is Elder Oregon Coast Statesman with a Mo...
One vacation rental no one seems to know about. Manzanita hotel reviews, Oregon coast lodging news

Lincoln City's Coho Oceanfront Lodge: Lincoln City Hotel Reviews
20 Aug 2026 at 4:35am
The Coho has a large roster of perks - a kind of upscale without all of that price tag. It Continues Pushing Boundaries on Oregon Coast. Next to Shopping, Siletz Bay, D River access, Roads End, Lincoln City tidepools, NW 15th beach access. Gleneden Beach

What's Old Is New Again: N. Oregon Coast's Tolovana Inn Redecorates, Winter B...
New decor at the hotel hotspot, winter brings drama below. Cannon Beach hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Fire Restrictions Rescinded on Oregon Coast Federal Forestland - Inland State Parks Vary
21 Sep 2026 at 9:02pm
No more campfire restrictions on Siuslaw areas, state parks still in place inland. Florence, Yachats, Reedsport, Tillamook, Waldport, Pacific City, Roosevelt Beach, Lane County, Tillamook, Manzanita, Lincoln City

Late-Night Rescue on Cape Lookout Trail Highlights Oregon Coast Hiking Hazards
25 Sep 2026 at 9:51pm
Oceanside-area rescue after dark: responders offer advice. Safety, Netarts, Oceanside tunnel, Lost Boy Beach

Integral to Oregon Coast's Art Scene, Cannon Beach Arts Association & Gallery Celebrates 40 Years
1 Nov 2026 at 8:37pm
Three-day series of events Nov. 12-14. Cannon Beach events

Two S. Oregon Coast Parks' Trails to be Closed Temporarily: Humbug, Cape Blanco
9 Oct 2026 at 8:49pm
Trail systems at Humbug Mt and Cape Blanco closed for just a short while. Port Orford, Gold Beach, Langlois

S. Oregon Coast's Lighthouse Beach Access Deal Officially Finalized After 5-Year-Battle
11 Oct 2026 at 9:21pm
Coos Bay-area beach done with legal battles after deed transfer official

Yachats Mushroom Fest Unlocks the Fun with Oregon Coast Fungi
6 Oct 2026 at 5:49pm
Ocotober 16 - 18, three days of talks, walks, workshops. Yachats events. Cape Perpetua

Best Rooms for Ocean Views in Cannon Beach
7 Oct 2026 at 9:15am
Right in the Tolovana area, and a quick drive to Ecola State Park. Cannon Beach reviews

Most Elegant Rooms Above Seaside Promenade
7 Oct 2026 at 9:15am
Next door to Seaside Aquarium, not a long walk to Seaside Turnaround. Seaside reviews

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted