Razor clamming at Kalaloch

Kalaloch is the odd one out among Washington’s razor clam beaches — and for some diggers, the best one. It sits inside Olympic National Park, running from the South Beach Campground north to Brown’s Point, a wild, scenic stretch of coast that feels a world away from the busy southern beaches.

Two big differences from the other beaches

1. No driving on the sand. Unlike Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, you cannot drive onto the beach at Kalaloch. You park in designated areas off Highway 101 and walk in, so plan your gear accordingly.
2. It opens far less often. Kalaloch only opens when the clam population can support a dig, and in lean years it doesn’t open at all — it was closed for the 2025–26 season, for example. Treat it as an occasional bonus, not a beach you can count on every year.

Getting there

Access is from Highway 101 turnouts within Olympic National Park, near the Kalaloch Lodge and campground. Parking is limited and only at designated areas — get there early on the rare approved days. Because it’s a national park, NPS rules apply on top of the usual shellfish regulations.

Tides and timing

Dig the one-to-two hours before the listed low. The nearest official NOAA tide reference is La Push (station 9442396) to the north — it’s a good 30-plus miles away with nothing closer, so lean on a tide service’s Kalaloch subordinate prediction and local corrections.

When can you dig?

Kalaloch is WDFW-managed and opens on announced dig dates in the seasons it opens at all — confirmed final only after Department of Health toxin testing. Because openings are rare and conditions remote, an alert is the easiest way to catch the years it’s actually on.

Before you go

• Daily limit: 15 razor clams per person; keep your first 15.
• License: Required at 16+. See limits & licenses.
• Safety: Confirm open and toxin-safe before the long drive — details here.

Want to know the next time Kalaloch opens? Put it on your list and we’ll tell you. First, brush up on how to dig.