The daily limit is the first 15 you dig
Regardless of size or condition. You may not sort, high-grade or put any back. Broken and small clams count toward the fifteen.
Razor clam rules and license in Washington
The limit is the first 15 you dig, each digger keeps their own, and anyone 15 or older needs a license. The details that trip people up are below.
Right now: Razor clam digs on coastal beaches postponed until further notice due to spike in marine toxins
WDFW postponed all Washington razor clam digs until further notice on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 because marine toxin (domoic acid) levels are rising above the Department of Health limit. No beach is open for digging. New dates will be announced when toxin tests allow, and DigTide will alert you the moment that happens.
Everyone digs their own
Each digger keeps their clams in a separate container. You cannot dig a limit for someone else, and containers cannot be shared or combined.
A license from age 15
Anyone 15 or older needs a current Washington license that covers razor clams: a razor clam license, a shellfish and seaweed license, or a combination license. Carry it while digging. Children under 15 need no license.
Only on approved days and beaches
Digging is legal only on the specific beaches and dates WDFW approves after marine toxin testing. On evening-tide digs in fall and winter, WDFW allows no digging before noon.
Closures are closures
When the Department of Health finds domoic acid above its limit, or WDFW postpones a series, the beach is closed and digging on it can mean a citation. Check before you drive, and again before you dig.
Kalaloch has park rules too
Kalaloch is inside Olympic National Park. There is no beach driving, and digs there are approved jointly with the National Park Service, so they are rarer than on the southern beaches.
Where to buy a license
Licenses are sold online through WDFW's Fish Washington licensing system and at licensed dealers, including many coastal sporting goods stores. Prices change each season, so check the WDFW site for the current fee. The app links to the same page.
The official sources
This page summarises public regulations in plain English and is not a substitute for them. Openings, closures and limits can change on short notice. Confirm the current rules on WDFW's razor clam seasons and beaches page and the Department of Health shellfish safety map before you harvest.
The rules, the limit counter and the license link, in your pocket.
DigTide keeps the cheat-sheet and a tap-to-count limit counter one thumb away on the beach.