Washington’s Salt Water Beaches
Remember your excitement when you first visited a saltwater beach?
If you were like most of us, a whole new world unfolded before your eyes. The smell of the salt combined with the sight of numerous creatures that we had never seen before. It opened both our eyes and minds to experiences far removed from normal routine.
Turning over a rock and seeing tiny crabs scamper for cover, clams spitting water jets high in the air as fresh waves covered them, or seals and sea lions cavorting in front of us as they feed on salmon, keep our eyes jumping from one new adventure to the next. Crows instinctively grab clams from the beach, fly over hard surfaces, then drop the clams to break their shells and then commence to feed on them. Osprey and eagle perform bomber like dives from high in the air snatching unsuspecting salmon or trout from the water. Blue Heron stand motionless and then, with lightening quickness, catch and devour small fish when they carelessly venture too close. A King Fisher hovers over schools of young salmon and then suddenly plunges and snatches the exact fish they were seeking.
The beach at times has more activity going than a three-ringed circus, and the entertainment is free.
Tide pools are full of sea life that hide when we first arrive, but then reappear to continue feeding, provided that we remain motionless long enough. Fish species are quite different from those experienced in fresh water and it takes time to learn them, their habits, and their prey. Salt water is so rich in nutrient that food chains starting with plankton and other tiny microorganisms pyramid ultimately to sea lions, killer whales and even giant grey whales. Each species develops its own preferred menu from the food chain and then utilizes it’s given skills to capture it. Sea gulls and diving birds locate schools of herring or smelt and then hang around until salmon or other species below them frighten the bait fish to the surface where the patient birds begin to prey upon them.
Those experienced with visiting salt water tend to research tide forecasts, harvesting regulations, beach conditions and weather patterns before planning a trip.
Fortunately, most of this information is easy to access with just one or two well placed clicks on a computer. “Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Shellfish Regulations” will give you tips on beaches to go to, provide red tide hotline contact information to make sure your beach is safe, harvesting regulations, licensing requirements, plus refer you to tide information that allow you to time your trip with low tide when clams are easier to find. One section even gives you directions on how to shuck your own oyster. Google “Washington State Beaches” and you will be able to select state park beaches in areas that you would like to visit. Look for driving directions and beach access information, as a few beaches are designed for boat access only.
Not all your trips need to be focused on salt water harvesting either. During a trip early this year, while I targeted razor clams, others flew kites, built sand castles, fished for ocean perch, walked the beach in search of shells or driftwood, roasted hotdogs, or just dug in the sand to see what creatures lived there. Remember to dress warm, wear boots or other footwear that allow water entry, plus carry a first aid kit for first time experience ouches. Do your homework by checking weather and tide forecasts plus research regulations for license requirements. Organize an outing that includes several people to maximize your fun. Clam beaches seem especially well suited for family activity.
If you haven’t been to a salt water beach in a year or two, you are long overdue. Don’t put off having fun any longer, and don’t forget to bring someone with you, especially a first timer.
