As the crisp autumn air whispers through the Pacific Northwest, it carries some of the best-kept seasonal secrets. When the trees begin their shed and fall ushers in sweater weather, seasonal fun waits for those with a sense of adventure. From foraging to witnessing the majesty of King Tides, our coastline transforms into a bountiful buffet of unique experiences. Explore our list of the best fall activities on Washington’s Evergreen Coast and discover new ways to enjoy the hidden gems of our shores.
Foraging in the Forests: Coastal Gold Beneath the Canopy
Fall foraging is one of our favorite seasonal activities on Washington’s Evergreen Coast. There’s something about traipsing through the damp canopy of towering firs and cedars, intently searching the underbrush for shy fungi. The region’s temperate rainforests are home to abundant edible mushrooms, such as chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and the king bolete. With each step, you can uncover the coastal treasures of the Pacific Northwest. There’s something gratifying about returning from your adventure with the forest’s finest fall offerings in hand. Even if you wind up empty-handed, you can visit one of our local restaurants. You’ll find locally sourced mushroom delicacies on most menus.
Pro Tip: Where to Forage
Popular foraging spots include Loomis Lake and Leadbetter State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for patches of mushrooms nestled among decaying trees and mossy trunks. Be aware that it is illegal to forage in Cape Disappointment, and there are maximums on caps in Washington State Parks.
Pro Tip: Forage Responsibly
Never eat foraged mushrooms unless you know they are non-poisonous. Book a tour with a local naturalist and expert to learn more about foraging safely and responsibly. Ask permission before harvesting on private land.
Oyster Season: Savoring the Taste of the Pacific
Our forest finds aren’t the only treasures in our region. As the chill settles in, Willapa Bay’s oysters grow more robust and flavorful. Fall is prime time for oyster lovers, and our shoreline is famed for its briny, delicate oysters that thrive in these waters. The cooler waters during the fall enhance their sweetness and plump texture, making this the perfect season to indulge.
Oyster farms and local markets open their doors to enthusiasts who want to shuck, taste, and take home the freshest oysters possible. Whether you’re enjoying them raw on the half shell or baked with garlic and herbs, celebrating oyster season is one of the quintessential activities on Washington’s Evergreen Coast during the fall months.
Pro Tip: Try Them All!
Image Courtesy of: Brenna Jarms
Stop by our local oyster purveyors, restaurants, and oyster farms to taste these savory gems. You’ll be amazed at the subtle differences between the various oysters along your route. You’ll experience a flavor journey that tickles your tastebuds with salty bites and sweet undertones of some of the best oysters you’ve ever slurped.
King Tides: Washington’s Dramatic Coastal Show
Image Courtesy of: Corey Dembeck
The Pacific Ocean puts on an unforgettable show during the King Tides each fall. King Tides are the exceptionally high tides that occur during the new and full moons. When storm season coincides with these waters, it becomes a passionate tango playing out against our shoreline. Frothing, white-capped, emerald waves hurl themselves dramatically against our craggy coast in a roar of Mother Nature’s fury. From the cracking of the ocean’s break to the salt sting on your lips and cheeks, this natural phenomenon is a multi-sense experience.
Pro Tip: Where to Watch
Take in the spectacle from Waikiki Beach and capture the iconic images of the waves throwing their seasonal tantrum against the 200-foot cliffs of Cape Disappointment. Or stand at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to take in the bird’s eye view of the ocean’s wails. Check the King Tides calendar before heading out.
Pro Tip: Shoreline Safety
Our shoreline can be unpredictable, especially when whipped into a frenzy. Always maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge. Never turn your back on the ocean, and watch out for sneaker waves.
Dig This: Razor Clamming on Washington’s Evergreen Coast
If you’re willing to dig a little, our coastline offers more than just a spectacular shore. Tucked gently beneath a few wet layers of sand, hide one of the most coveted fortunes of the sea. The fall signals the seasonal start of one of our favorite activities on Washington’s Evergreen Coast – the beloved razor clam digging days. Eager diggers fervently watch for announcement dates that indicate when digging can commence. Our endless beach glitters with the gleam of clam guns and headlamps as soon as dates are approved. Squawking seagulls are interrupted by the delighted shouts of successful diggers who unearth the hidden saltwater jewels.
Washington’s razor clams are not only delicious but also a fun challenge to catch. The moody mollusk hides from the surface while leaving behind a few telltale clues to its whereabouts. Eagle-eyed treasure hunters comb the beaches, searching for the suggestive dimple or subtle keyhole that betrays the razor clam location.
Fun Fact
The oval, amber razor clam is so revered on our coast that we have an annual festival celebrating the sandy jewel.
Pro Tip: Staying Safe While Clamming on the Evergreen Coastline
Like in storm-watching, keep your eyes on the shore and don’t turn your back to the waves. Wear waders to protect your legs from the water and thick plastic gloves to avoid cutting your fingers on the razor clam shells. Follow any restrictions on clam limits and secure your license before you start digging.
Fall Activities on Washington’s Evergreen Coast: An Adventure Like No Other
Washington’s Evergreen Coast comes alive in the fall, offering unique adventures that beckon to nature lovers, foodies, and thrill-seekers alike. Whether foraging in the forest, savoring the world’s best oysters, marveling at Mother Nature, or clamming along the sandy shores, there’s no shortage of exceptional activities on the coast during the turning season. Fall is a time to explore, reconnect with the rhythms of nature, and experience the wonders that make this coastal paradise unforgettable.
