As the weather crisps and the winter tides roll in, the Evergreen Coast delivers a gift of unparalleled seasonal seafood in Washington. Our sweet treats from the sea are presents to seafood lovers and ocean aficionados across the Pacific Northwest. The tidal-wrapped trinkets that blanket our tree-lined coastline are like a festive holiday morning. From the treasure hunt of razor clams to the briny allure of our world-famous local oysters, Washington’s winter delights are the perfect gift for the whole family. So, bring your appetite and holiday excitement to our shoreline for a sea-sonal experience worth savoring. We can’t wait to unwrap them all with you!
Oysters: The Seasonal Shellfish of Washington’s Waters
The first magnificent ocean offering is our famous oysters. Our iconic shellfish is a hallmark of seasonal seafood in Washington because Willapa Bay produces approximately 25% of the nation’s oysters. The delicate mollusks, known for their bright freshness and buttery texture, are a year-round favorite. But the flavor of the tender morsels intensifies during the year’s colder months. They tend to plump up during the chill, making each slurp lusher and more indulgent.
Oyster lovers can taste the pearl of the ocean from the menus of local spots like The Depot, Lost Roo, Drop Anchor, and Castaways Seafood Grille. Visit South Bend, “the Oyster Capital of the World,” and sample shooters of the silken treasures on the wooden dock at Goose Point Oystery. Tuck into the famous fried oysters at the historic Chester Club and Oyster Bar. You can even sip their sweet nectar in a pint of oyster beer at Willapa Brewing Co. Whether you prefer them raw, grilled, baked, or in a glass, Washington’s oysters are a treat to celebrate a delicious year. But they’re not the only seasonal shellfish hiding on our shores.
Dig In! Washington’s Seasonal Razor Clams
Image Courtesy of: Rachael Jones
In addition to our opulent oysters, our beaches are also home to the coveted and secretive razor clam. Razor clams are prized for their tender, mildly sweet meat, ideal for chowder, fritters, or simply frying up with a bit of butter. The amber-hued, blade-shaped prizes burrow themselves in the wet sand along the shoreline, offering subtle cues to their hiding places. Every year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announces dig dates, which call clamming enthusiasts from around the region.
The thrill of razor clam season is something every shellfish fan should experience. These gems of seasonal seafood in Washington are especially popular along our Evergreen Coast, where clam digs become cherished community events. Follow our tips for a successful dig to create scrumptious memories by the sea. Return in the spring and experience the Razor Clam Festival, which celebrates our mouthwatering mollusk.
However, clamming it up isn’t limited to only razor clams. Our region’s chowder game is a competition in a bowl.
Clam Chowder: A Competitive Seasonal Classic in Every Spoonful
Image Courtesy of: Danelle Dodds
Though technically not seasonal seafood, this favorite menu item is a year-round delight that hits even better during the holiday season. Clam chowder holds a special place in the hearts of many on Washington’s coast. The warm, velvety broth is the elixir of our proud, seafaring heritage. A hearty serving of the creamy, comforting classic is as welcoming as the folks that live here.
You’ll find a variety of chowder offerings in the restaurants and chowder shops that pepper our towns. Take in the view of the crashing ocean at Pickled Fish while you enjoy a heavenly bowl of chowder seasoned with bacon and Old Bay. Sample the in-shell clam chowder at Salt Pub against a backdrop of bobbing boats in the port. Take a cup of Capt Bob’s Chowder Sisters soup to our 28-mile beach. Or grab the award-winning chowder from B&D’s Food Hut or The Cove. From classic to chowder with a twist, you’ll find chowder on the menu at every restaurant in the region. Each spot you visit strongly claims to have the best bowl in the area. We’ll leave it up to you to pick a winner, but we recommend grabbing a spoon and sampling your way from Raymond to Chinook to find your favorite.
Shell Yeah! It’s Crabbing Season
Speaking of clawing your way to the top, crabbing season along Washington’s Evergreen Coast is a hot experience during cold-weather months. Local Dungeness crab is famed for its succulent, slightly sweet meat. Fishing charters in coastal hubs like Ilwaco make crabbing accessible to everyone. Embark on a charter with family or friends and experience the thrill of reeling in these delectable crustaceans firsthand. With a cooler of freshly caught crab, your meal practically prepares itself. Serve it steamed with a side of melted butter, or incorporate it into a rich, savory pasta dish. A day on the water harvesting seasonal seafood in Washington is a bucket-list moment to celebrate the season.
Dive into Washington’s Sea-son of Flavor
Every corner of Washington’s Evergreen Coast is bursting with the gifts of seasonal seafood delights. Whether it’s the delicate brininess of oysters, the subtle sweetness of razor clams, the comfort of creamy clam chowder, or our irresistible, rich crabs, seasonal seafood in Washington offers something for every palate. This sea-son, make Washington’s Evergreen Coast your destination for discovering the purest flavors of the ocean. Here, the holidays bring the perfect presents of the sea, just waiting for you to unwrap them!
