Spring is here and so is shellfish season along Hood Canal. If you’re heading out to dig clams or harvest oysters, take note of the new 2026 rules that kicked in April 1 — the minimum size for cockles is now 2½ inches, and geoduck limits have dropped to one per person per day. Potlatch State Park’s clam, mussel, and oyster season is open through May 31, so grab your shellfish license and your Discover Pass and get out there.
Meanwhile over at Tahuya State Forest, heads up that portions of the Howell Lake Loop Trail remain temporarily closed due to a washed-out bridge. Plenty of other trails are open for ORV riding, mountain biking, and hiking — just stick to marked routes and remember your Discover Pass.
Looking ahead, the Theler Wetlands trail system is getting a major upgrade this summer. Construction begins on a new pedestrian boardwalk in the footprint of the removed levees, fully reconnecting the estuary trail loop. And Belfair State Park’s Tree Loop campground opens for reservations May 15 — start planning those summer weekends on the water.
Key Outdoor Updates This Week
- Shellfish rules: New 2026 WDFW regulations effective April 1 — cockle minimum 2½ inches, geoduck limit 1 per person/day
- Potlatch State Park: Shellfish season open April 1–May 31 (clams, mussels, oysters)
- Tahuya State Forest: Howell Lake Loop Trail partially closed — washed-out bridge. Other trails remain open.
- Theler Wetlands: New pedestrian boardwalk construction coming summer 2026, reconnecting the full estuary loop
- Belfair State Park: Tree Loop campground reservations open May 15
Sources: WDFW Shellfish Regulations, WDFW Potlatch Beach Page, Trailforks Tahuya, AllTrails, WA State Parks, HCSEG Theler Restoration Project
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