Trees & Stars & Lakes & Trails
The Scout · Oregon Coast
The Scout · Field Guide
Oregon Coast
Razor Clamming
Cold beach, dark morning, headlamp on, clam gun in hand. Oregon's razor clam beaches are some of the best in the world — and anyone can do it.
⚠ Check before every dig. ODFW closes beaches for biotoxins with little notice. Hotline: 1-800-448-2474 · ODFW Shellfish Closures · License required age 14+ · 15 clams/person/day
Where to Dig
Oregon Coast — Razor Clam Hot Spots
2026 Season
Clamming Hot Spot
Reference Town
NOAA tide data · razorclamming.com
01
Seaside & Clatsop Spit
Best for Beginners
Miles of wide open beach. The classic Oregon dig. Best tides Oct–Jan and May–July. Includes Gearhart, Del Ray, Fort Stevens, and Peter Iredale.
02
Cannon Beach
Same Tides as Seaside
Run both beaches on the same trip. Short Sands (Smuggler's Cove) is a quieter option worth the short hike in from the parking lot.
03
Newport / Agate Beach
Deepest Summer Tides
Oregon's deepest minus tides — down to −2.7 ft in June. If you go once in summer, come here. June 13–18 is typically exceptional.
04
Waldport / Alsea Bay
Clams + Crab
Razor clams on the beach, Dungeness in Alsea Bay. Less crowded than the northern beaches. Good combo trip with a crab ring in the water.
Quick Facts
SeasonOct 1 – Jul 14 (Clatsop Co.)
Limit15 clams · per person · per day
⚠ Keep First 15
You must keep the first 15 clams you dig — no sorting, no releasing back. A broken clam still counts toward your limit.
LicenseBuy at myODFW.com → Age 14+
Best tide−1.0 ft or lower
Arrive1 hour before low tide
Clam gun~$50 PVC · 4" diameter min
Biotoxin hotline1-800-448-2474