If you have never made the trip from Seattle (or elsewhere) to the Hood Canal, it’s time to check it out. Hood Canal is technically a fjord and one of the four main basins of the Puget Sound that also happens to be a locals shellfish paradise. One of the best places to get fresh oysters (without paying an arm and a leg from a restaurant), the Hood Canal is a locally known area to pick up amazing fresh oysters (and clams) by just walking to a beach at low tide.
Most people have never had the experience of finding their own shellfish and being able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It’s a way easier process than you might think. Really all you need to do is wait for a low tide and walk out on the rocky beaches to find the oysters laying amongst the rocks where the receding water left them. The hard part comes comes when you need to shuck them because technically along the beaches in the Hood Canal, you are supposed to shuck the oysters on site and leave the shells to be able to be absorbed back into the ecosystem. Although the process couldn’t be easier, it still takes some planning to ensure your mission is successful. You will need to bring a few items with you to make the most of your experience:
A shellfish license which allows each individual up to 17 oysters per day (can be purchased here for $17 for a year)
Shucking knife and glove - these are probably the second most important tools to bring with as you won’t be able to get into the oyster without them
A bucket to collect the shellfish while still reaching your quota - most people just grab one from Home Depot or another home improvement store
Water to cleanse the oysters after shucking
A cooler or bag to store the shellfish after shucking
While ensuring you have the right gear is half the battle, the other half is knowing where to go. There are multiple options of beaches to visit to find the oysters but you should use the Shellfish Safety Map to ensure that the beach is open and the shellfish is safe to eat at that time. Tide tables are the last part of the equation as without knowing when low tide is, you won’t be able to make the most of your trip and catch as many shellfish.
I know there is a lot of mention of shellfish and being able to forage on your own, there are also a few local spots that shouldn’t be missed. So even if you’re in town just for the shellfish beaches, definitely check out the list below that will help round out the trip:
Hama Hama Oyster Saloon is the go to for local grilled and raw shellfish if you are looking for a spot to not have to do the work yourself. With their own farm and location right along the water, they are able to provide high quality shellfish with a view and little to no work on your end (besides trying to get reservations - beware they open up on Mondays for the following weekend and fill up fast)
Lake Cushman is a great place to hang and get out on the water while still being surrounded by mountains. Breathtaking views are all around. You can rent boats on the lake too which will give you even more access to the beauty around you. If being on the water is not your thing, there are tons of areas to hike locally with views of the lake as well as the backcountry of the Olympic peninsula.
For a morning coffee or even afternoon ice cream, make sure to check out Hoodsport Coffee. Right along the main drag in Hoodsport, this establishment offers a variety of drinks and breakfast items to walk up to as well as a huge array of unique ice cream flavors that can be eaten on its own or made into shakes or drinks. There really is no wrong time to check it out.
While the Hood Canal may not be on top lists of well known areas to check out, it is definitely a place to visit if you are looking for something off the beaten path with a local PNW element you can’t get anywhere else.