Jetsettersblog

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, Wash. – Kalaloch Lodge, which has some of the most enchanting coastal views and best access to pristine beaches in Washington’s Olympic National Park, announces its “Clam Digger” lodging package, set for three weekends throughout the winter season.

The “Clam Digger” package will be available on select weekends only: Dec. 4-5, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009 – Jan. 1, 2010.

The “Clam Digger” lodging package offers options for both beginners and experienced clammers.

For experienced clam diggers bringing their own tools, the package starts at $129 and includes one night of lodging and breakfast for two.

Experienced clam diggers that do not need the tools should use the promotion code: CLAMDIGPRO.

Starting at $169, the “newbie” package includes one night of lodging, a bucket, shovel and net, and breakfast for two the next morning.

To redeem the deal, guests should use the promotion code: CLAMDIGNEW.

Guests can stay additional nights for just $99 each.

The National Park Service scheduled the Monday, Nov. 16th dig at Kalaloch Beach to coincide with those at other razor clam beaches within Washington State.

The one-day dig will be held on the evening tide, with digging restricted to the hours between noon and midnight. The low tide during this dig will be at 6:05 p.m., at -0.9 feet.

The Kalaloch razor clam beach extends from the South Beach Campground to Brown’s Point (just south of Beach Trail 3), all within Olympic National Park.

The following tentative dates have also been scheduled by the park and will coincide with dates selected by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for other beaches within the state.

Confirmation of these digs will be released shortly before the dates listed below.

Friday, Dec. 4 (8:04 p.m. -1.3 ft.) Kalaloch

Saturday, Dec. 5 (8:51 p.m. -0.9 ft.) Kalaloch

Thursday, Dec. 31 (6:16 p.m. -1.1 ft.) Kalaloch

Friday, Jan. 1 (7:01 p.m. -1.8 ft.) Kalaloch

“Kalaloch Beaches offer some of the best clam digging in the State, and we’re excited to offer our guests a great deal in order to take advantage of this exciting beach activity,” said Beth Showalter, director of sales and marketing, ARAMARK Olympic Peninsula.

“Guests to Kalaloch Lodge this winter will be able to experience the popular coastal razor clam season, as well as all the other unique outdoor experiences in Olympic National Park.”

Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition.

Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2009 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination fishing license is still valid.

Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions.

Descriptions of the various options are available on the WDFW website at www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov  

Licenses for clam digging may be purchased online, by telephone at (866) 246-9453, or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state.

Clam diggers are advised to take flashlights or lanterns with them during evening digs, especially if clamming outside of the area immediately below Kalaloch Lodge, where there are no streetlights.

Diggers should also check weather and surf forecasts before heading out.

For more information about Kalaloch Lodge or to book a “Clam Digger” package, please visit www.visitkalaloch.com  or call (866) 297-7367.