Beat Cabin Fever with These Winter Outdoor Activities 

Too many winter months trapped indoors can make even the happiest of households a little stir crazy. Luckily, the area around Ten Trails offers ample opportunities to get outside during the winter months and enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities the Pacific Northwest is well-known for!

Soak up Thermal Waters in Washington Hot Springs

Washington State is home to many natural hot springs, some primitive and some part of larger resorts. Within a day’s drive from Ten Trails, families can visit  Carson Hot Springs, located near the Oregon border where an authentic bathhouse and hotel accommodations make for a relaxing winter weekend.  Beginning March 20^th, families can head to Olympic National Park to visit Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. This seasonal resort offers cabins for rent and several outdoor thermal soaking pools for visitors to enjoy.

Wildlife at Oak Creek Feeding Area 

Watch winter feeding of elk and bighorn sheep at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in nearby Naches. A program run through the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, this supplemental winter feeding program helps to maintain the Yakima elk herd which roam the state lands during the winter months. Head to the Visitors Center first for information. Feedings happen daily at 1:30 pm and a Washington State Discover Pass is required to enter the wildlife area.

Take an Outdoor Tram Tour at Northwest Trek

Nearby Northwest Trek offers year-round tram tours of the park’s free-roaming area which is home to elk, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou and more. Tours of the 435 acres of natural space take about 40 minutes, are included with a day pass, and are narrated by an informative park naturalist.

Go Nordic Skiing at White Pass

Take a day trip to White Pass and spend the afternoon cross-country skiing at the White Pass Nordic Center. The more than 11 miles of trails offer terrain that is appropriate for cross-country skiers of all levels. If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, there’s also opportunities for skate skiing, and snowshoeing.

Ride the Mount Rainier Gondola 

Just an hour away from Ten Trails, head to Crystal Mountain Resort and ride the Mt. Rainier gondola to the summit where spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades await. Stay for the afternoon and enjoy lunch at the Summit House restaurant. Don’t forget to bring some extra snacks to feed the local gray jays who can be spotted at the summit being hand-fed by the visiting tourists. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Recreational razor clamming is one of the most popular licensed outdoor activities in Washington state. If you haven’t tried razor clamming, this is the perfect time to give it a try! This family-friendly activity is enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike, totaling over 75,000 participants each year in Washington. Razor clamming beaches on the Washington coast can be reached from Ten Trails in less than 3 hours. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced digs for this weekend so grab your gear and come along!

What is a Razor Clam?

Razor clam is a common name for long, saltwater clams (which vaguely resemble a closed straight razor in shape). The Pacific razor clam can grow as long as six inches, in contrast with the common, Manila clam, which tops out at three or four inches. This clam is quite a bit beefier with far more protein that the more widely-known Manila clam.

How do you dig for razor clams?

To harvest razor clams, you’ll need boots, rubber gloves, a clam gun or shovel, a shellfish license, a headlamp—many low tides occur after dark—and a bucket to store what you’ve reaped. The “clam gun” refers to a specialized tube, made of aluminum or PVC pipe, with a handle which you wiggle into the wet sand, pulling up a core sample that, if properly extracted,will contain your prey.

Razor clams are collected in the hours just before low tide,when the receding water leaves behind soft sand. When clams move or feed, the disturbance creates a small hole or dimple in the sand.This is called a “show” and it is your indication that a clam is hidden beneath the surface. When you discover a “show,” you’ll target this area for digging with your shovel or clam gun. You’ll want to keep in mind that razor clams can dig downward about a foot every thirty seconds, and they can be up to three feet deep. They can’t go sideways, but they will move downward fast in wet sand. They will attempt to escape by digging down and away from you. Try to angle the gun slightly toward the ocean, and twist or plunge the tube until the pipe is at least two feet down into the sand. If you hear a crunch, you found one, but that sound means you’ve broken the shell. You are required to keep it and count it toward your daily limit of 15. Fortunately, mangled clams are still edible!

Experienced clam hunters recommend that diggers arrive to the beach an hour or two before low tide for best results. Designated dig times are often in the evening, so be sure to dress warmly and be extra cautious of the ocean as it’s difficult to see large waves coming at night.

Where are razor clams found?

The largest concentration of razor clams in Washington is found on a 53-mile stretch of shore on Washington state’s southern coast, where sandy,flat beaches provide an ideal habitat. Razor clams should only be harvested at the designated times and locations published on the WDFW website.  Before heading out, always be aware of season openings, closures and adhere to designated times and locations on the WDFW website: www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:

Dec.21, Friday, 5:35 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Dec.22, Saturday, 6:20 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Dec.23, Sunday, 7:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Rules and Regulations

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife tests for levels of a natural toxin produced by certain types of algae to determine if, when, and where to open beaches for harvesting of razor clams. Razor clamming should only be done at the designated times and locations published www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams.

The daily limit per person is 15 clams, no matter what condition they are in, once removed from the sand. That limit is subject to change. Always check with official sources if you have any questions. Digging prior to noon during the Fall-Winter season on the approved days is not allowed. Also, each digger must keep their razor clams in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2018-19 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website and from license vendors around the state.

How can I find More Information?

As part of planning your razor clamming trip, visit the website for Razor Clam Society at www.razorclamsociety.org and the Washington State Parks Foundation at www.waparks.org/razor-clamming-on-the-coast. 

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