The pristine waters of Washington State — from the oyster-rich Hood Canal to the sweeping shores of Willapa Bay and the sparkling inlets of Puget Sound — are home to a remarkable variety of mollusks and the passionate people who farm them. Whether you’re gathering the family to dig for clams on a sandy beach, slurping your way through briny oysters at a waterfront restaurant, visiting a local farm to compare the unique “merroir” of different bays with knowledgeable harvesters, or joining in the fun at a shellfish festival in towns like Shelton or Long Beach, the Washington Shellfish Trail has something for everyone.

Get ready to taste, explore, and celebrate the bounty of our coast!

Our Beaches

Each year, state and tribal shellfish biologists head out to Washington’s beaches to count clams and check oyster beds, making sure our public shores stay healthy and plentiful. On some beaches, they even “seed” new oysters and clams — so when harvest season comes, the beaches are stocked and ready for you to dig in!

Farms & Restaurants

Picture oysters pulled straight from Willapa Bay or Hood Canal, mussels and clams fresh off the tide, or geoduck perfectly prepared at a cozy coastal restaurant. Whether you visit a working farm, pick up shellfish straight from the source, or sit down to a chef’s special – here are a few tasty ideas to get you started!

Events & Festivals

Okay, so a geoduck isn’t actually a duck — it’s a giant bivalve with a classic look.. Washington is full of events where you can celebrate all things shellfish — from oyster shucking contests to seafood feasts and family-friendly festivals. Let’s dive in and discover where you can slurp, sample, and soak up the coastal vibes!