Dig for Delights: Razor Clamming in Seaside, Oregon
Razor Clamming in Seaside, Oregon: A Fun and Rewarding Coastal Activity
If you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable way to experience Seaside, Oregon, during your visit, razor clamming is a must-try activity. This fun and rewarding coastal experience allows you to connect with nature while harvesting your own shellfish straight from the beach. Whether you’re a seasoned clam digger or a first-timer, Seaside’s beaches are the perfect place to try your hand at this popular activity.
What is Razor Clamming?
Razor clams are large, tender clams found along the Oregon Coast. Known for their long, narrow shells and delicious meat, these clams are prized by locals and visitors alike. The clams live just beneath the sand, and the challenge is in digging them up! Razor clamming requires a bit of patience, the right tools, and knowledge of the tides, but it’s a fun way to enjoy Seaside’s beautiful beaches and bring home a delicious, fresh catch.
The Best Time for Razor Clamming
While winter is often considered a great time for razor clamming in Seaside, it’s not necessarily the only prime time. The winter months (typically November to March) are excellent for clamming due to lower tides, which bring more clams closer to the surface, making them easier to dig up. The cooler water and clearer conditions can also make it easier to spot clams.
That said, spring and fall can also provide excellent conditions, especially when there are low tides. The key is to check the tide charts, as razor clams typically come up during low tide, which occurs about every six hours. You can find good clamming opportunities year-round, especially when low tides align with favorable weather.
In short, while winter is a great time for razor clamming, spring and fall can also offer ideal conditions if you time your visit with a low tide.
How to Get Started with Razor Clamming
Razor clamming is relatively easy to get into, especially in Seaside, where the beaches are accessible and welcoming to beginners. Keith Chandler, a local clamming expert and Seaside Aquarium manager, explains that the process involves looking for “shows”—small holes in the sand that indicate the presence of a clam. Once you find a show, you can use a clam shovel or a cylindrical clam gun to dig for the shellfish.
Using the clam gun, you create a vacuum by covering the show and gently pulling the gun up. Sometimes, you’ll need to dig a little deeper or return to the same hole since the clams can only go up or down, not sideways. Once you’ve unearthed the clam, you place it in your bag or net (often worn on your belt) and continue searching for more.
Essential Gear
To get started, you’ll need a few key items:
A clam shovel or clam gun for digging. The Claminator is popular with seasoned clammers and the Palmyth is a more economical option. Local stores like Ace Hardware sell
Rubber boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
A bucket or clam bag for collecting your catch.
A shellfish license: You’ll need a valid license to harvest clams in Oregon. You can easily purchase a license at several local locations or online. Here are some options:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Online License Sales: Purchase your shellfish license directly from the ODFW website.
Seaside Visitor Information Center: Located in downtown Seaside, the Visitor Center sells shellfish licenses for those wanting to dig for clams.
Fred Meyer: This local grocery store offers fishing and shellfish licenses at its customer service counter. Fred Meyer is located just outside of Seaside in Warrenton.
The Bait Shop: This local shop in Seaside offers gear and shellfish licenses, making it easy for you to pick up everything you need for a day of clamming.
Where to Go for Razor Clamming in Seaside
Seaside’s long, expansive beach is perfect for razor clamming, especially in areas near the mouth of the Columbia River. Here are some key spots where you can dig for razor clams:
Seaside Beach: Seaside’s central beach area is ideal for razor clamming, with plenty of access points and wide stretches of sand to explore. It’s easy to walk out to the tide line and start looking for shows.
Sunset Beach State Recreation Site: Located just a few miles north of Seaside, Sunset Beach offers good clamming opportunities with a beautiful, less crowded setting.
Gearhart Beach: Another great spot just south of Seaside, Gearhart offers great clamming opportunities with easy access from the beach.
Cleaning and Cooking Your Clams
Once you’ve caught your razor clams, the next step is cleaning and cooking them. Cleaning clams takes a bit of practice, and if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, local experts at the Seaside Aquarium or other nearby locations can offer tips. Once cleaned, razor clams can be prepared in many ways, but one popular method is frying them. Norma’s Seafood & Steak in Seaside, for example, uses a three-step battering process before deep frying, creating a deliciously crispy treat.
For a home kitchen, you can simply fry your clams in a pan with melted butter for 30-45 seconds on each side, ensuring they stay tender and flavorful. Top with lemon and your favorite sauce for the perfect coastal meal or read this informative article on Serious Eats on how to catch, clean, and cook them.
Learn More About Seaside’s Clamming Passion
If you’re interested in learning more about the joy of razor clamming and hearing from a true expert, check out this great article about Keith Chandler, the owner of the Seaside Aquarium, who loves razor clamming. It shares his personal connection to the activity and the local community's passion for harvesting these delicious clams.
Conclusion
Razor clamming in Seaside, Oregon, is a fun, rewarding activity that lets you experience the beauty of the coast in a hands-on way. The winter months are especially great for clamming, as the tides are lower, making it easier to find and harvest clams. Whether you're a beginner or experienced clam digger, Seaside’s accessible beaches and plentiful clams make it an ideal spot for this coastal pastime. So, grab your gear, check the tide charts, and head to Seaside for an unforgettable razor clamming adventure!