Razor clamming at Mocrocks

Mocrocks is the northernmost of the four main drive-on razor clam beaches, running from the Copalis River up to the southern boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation. It takes in Iron Springs, Roosevelt, Pacific Beach, and Moclips. It tends to feel a touch quieter and more scenic than the big Ocean Shores access just to the south — a good pick if you’d rather not dig elbow-to-elbow.

The thing to know: Mocrocks and Copalis alternate

Mocrocks is Copalis’s alternating partner. During a dig series the two beaches usually open on different days, so on any given approved date you need to check which one is actually legal. Show up at Mocrocks on a Copalis-only day and you’ve wasted the trip — confirm the exact open beach first.

Getting on the beach

Maintained public approaches are at 2nd Street in Moclips, Andalyde Road in Pacific Beach, and the Roosevelt beach approach. Erosion and flooding can close an approach with little notice, so keep a backup in mind.

Tides and timing

As everywhere on the coast, dig the one-to-two hours before the listed low. Winter digs are in the evening, spring in the morning. There’s no NOAA gauge right at Pacific Beach or Moclips — Westport (station 9441102) to the south is the common reference, with La Push (9442396) to the north; use a local correction either way.

When can you dig?

Mocrocks is one of the four WDFW-managed beaches, open on announced dig dates and confirmed final only after the Department of Health clears clam samples for marine toxins — usually a few days ahead. Between the toxin testing and the Copalis/Mocrocks alternation, this is a beach where a good alert really earns its keep.

Before you go

• Daily limit: 15 razor clams per person; keep your first 15, separate containers.
• License: Required at 16+. See limits & licenses.
• Safety: Open is not the same as safe — check toxins before you dig.

Let us watch the schedule and tell you when Mocrocks is the open beach. New to it? Read how to dig razor clams.