South Coast & Grays Harbor: Razor Clamming Open, Gray Whales from Westport & Quinault Rain Forest in Bloom — Exploring Olympic Peninsula

There are three very good reasons to point your car toward Grays Harbor this spring.

First: razor clams are open at Twin Harbors and Mocrocks beaches. Low tide creates ideal conditions for digging — grab your 2026–27 license (new season started April 1), a clam gun, and a bucket. Twin Harbors is one of the most reliable and accessible clamming spots on the Washington coast, just south of Westport. Always verify current WDFW approvals before heading out, as conditions and biotoxin closures can change.

Second: April is peak gray whale migration season, and Westport is one of the best places in the state to watch them. Head to Westport Light State Park — the tallest lighthouse in Washington — and scan the horizon for spouts. On a calm spring day, you might spot 10–25 whales passing. Charter boats from the Westport Marina also run whale watching trips if you want to get closer to the action.

Third: the Quinault Rain Forest is in its most magical spring form right now. The cedar bogs along the Rain Forest Loop Trail are bursting with skunk cabbage in vivid gold and green, snowmelt is feeding the waterfalls, and the mosses are electric after months of winter rain. Lake Quinault Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1926 — it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for dinner and wake up to mist on the lake.

South Coast Spring Guide

• Razor Clamming: Twin Harbors and Mocrocks beaches open for approved digs. 2026–27 license required (April 1 new season start). Check WDFW for current approval status and biotoxin map before going.
• Gray Whale Watching from Westport: Westport Light State Park is on the official Whale Trail. Peak migration March–early May. 10–25 whales per day on calm days. Charter trips available from Westport Marina.
• Quinault Rain Forest: Rain Forest Loop Trail open (possible flooding on some sections). Skunk cabbage blooming in cedar bogs. Snowmelt waterfalls at peak. Lake Quinault Lodge open — Roosevelt Restaurant reopening early April.

Grays Harbor doesn’t always get the spotlight — but right now it’s putting on a show.

Sources: WDFW Shellfish Regulations, experiencewestport.com, westportwa.com, HikeoftheWeek.com (April 2, 2026 trip report), Lake Quinault Lodge