Aerial view of Mocrocks Beach near Pacific Beach Washington, a prime location for razor clam digging and dog-friendly beach walks.

2026 Razor Clamming Guide: Mocrocks Beach & Pacific Beach, WA

Your Local Guide to Seasons, Permits, and Finding the Best Shows.

🟢 SEASON UPDATE: EYES ON APRIL

🟢 MARCH DIGS COMPLETE — APRIL 2026 IS LIVE

CURRENT STATUS: Successful digs at Mocrocks Beach concluded on March 24. WDFW has now CONFIRMED the first series of April morning digs for the Pacific Beach area.

REQUIRED LICENSE RENEWAL: Your 2025 shellfish license expires on March 31. You MUST have a new 2026-2027 Washington State Shellfish License for all April digs. Buy yours now at the Official WDFW Licensing Site.

April morning digs start early! Book your "Clamming Headquarters" at The Razor Clam, Slack Tide, or A Perfect Wave to stay just 60 seconds from the sand.

📅 CONFIRMED APRIL 2026 DIG DATES

WDFW has officially confirmed the following morning digs for Mocrocks Beach. These dates are the best time for families and dogs to enjoy the sand while searching for limits!

  • ✅ April 1 (Wed): 6:45 a.m. (0.5 ft)
  • ✅ April 2 (Thu): 7:22 a.m. (0.1 ft)
  • ✅ April 5 (Sun): 9:08 a.m. (-0.1 ft)
  • ✅ April 6 (Mon): 9:46 a.m. (0.2 ft)

Note: A second series for late April is currently tentative. For the best experience, stay at Hidden Coast Stays to beat the traffic and walk to the beach approach!

A person using a PVC clam gun to dig for razor clams on the shoreline of Mocrocks Beach.

The Essentials: Where, When, and How

Planning Your Trip to Pacific Beach

Razor clamming is a true Pacific Northwest tradition, and success depends on two things: the right tide and the right timing. Digs are only permitted during specific "openings" scheduled by the WDFW. Whether you are staying at The Razor Clam, Slack Tide, or A Perfect Wave, we’ve got you covered with the local knowledge you need to limit out.

  • Tide Timing: The best digging usually happens 1 to 2 hours BEFORE the listed low tide. Don't wait for the tide to bottom out—follow the water out to find the most active shows!
  • Official Tide Tables: For the most accurate surf conditions at Mocrocks, check the NOAA Tide Predictions for Mocrocks.
  • Guest Access & Parking: For the easiest beach entry, use the Analyde Gap beach approach. It is located just 60 seconds from The Razor Clam and less than 5 minutes from our other Pacific Beach vacation rentals.

📍 INTERACTIVE BEACH ACCESS & PROPERTY MAP

📍 HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Note: Click any pin on the map above for specific "host-recommended" directions!

Razor Clamming Guide - The Prep

Icon for Washington State razor clamming license requirements

The License

Anyone 15+ needs a WDFW Shellfish License. IMPORTANT: Your 2025 license expires March 31—you need the 2026-2027 LICENSE for April digs. Buy a 3-day 'Razor Clam Only' permit or an annual license online.PRO TIP: Cell service at Analyde Gap is spotty; take a screenshot of your digital license before you leave the cottage!

Essential razor clamming equipment including a stainless steel clam gun, mesh net bag, and a waterproof headlamp.

The Gear

You'll need a clam gun or specialized shovel, a mesh net, and a high-powered headlamp for evening digs. Host Tip: We provide basic cleaning supplies at our cottages, and the You and I Market is just 2 minutes away for last-minute gear rentals and PVC guns.

Icon of coastal rain gear and rubber boots for Washington razor clamming

The Outfit

EXPECT TO GET WET! Rubber boots or waders are essential. Wear more layers than you think—the coastal wind is biting. THE REWARD: After a cold morning on the sand, head back to SLACK TIDE or THE RAZOR CLAM to warm up in your PRIVATE HOT TUB. (Check availability for these homes at the bottom of this guide!)

Razor clamming Mocrocks beach

How to Find Razor Clams

Identifying the dimples, donuts, and keyholes

To find a clam, you have to find its "show." As the tide recedes, the clams retract their necks, leaving these three distinct marks in the sand:

  • The Dimple: A small, shallow indentation about the size of a nickel.
  • The Donut: A small hole surrounded by a raised ring of sand.
  • The Keyhole: A distinct hourglass-shaped opening, usually in drier sand.
💡 PRO TIP: If you don't see any shows, try "thumping" or "stomping" the sand with your foot or shovel handle. The vibration causes the clams to move, revealing their location with a fresh dimple!

Watch: How to Spot a Show

The Clamming Playbook

1

The Dig

Look for "clam shows" (dimples in the sand). Center your clam gun, drive it down, and pull! You must keep the first 15 clams you dig.

2

The Clean

Pop shells open with boiling water for 10 seconds. Use scissors to snip the neck and remove the "guts."

3

The Feast

Pan-fry in butter for 1 minute per side until golden. Our kitchens at The Razor Clam, Slack Tide, and A Perfect Wave are fully stocked with the pans and space you need for a fresh coastal feast!

Beach Safety & Local Rules

NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN: Sneaker waves can appear without warning. Always keep one eye on the surf.

NIGHT DIGGING SAFETY: If digging after dark, place a light on your dashboard. It is easy to lose your way back to ANALYDE GAP.

FILL YOUR HOLES: This is the #1 rule of beach etiquette. Open holes are a hazard for others and dogs. Always kick the sand back in!

THE 15-CLAM LIMIT: You must keep the first 15 clams you dig, regardless of size. High-grading is illegal.

KEEP CATCHES SEPARATE: Each digger must carry their own clams in a separate bag. Commingling your catch can result in a fine.

WATCH THE TIDE: As the tide turns, it moves quickly. Stay close to safety at THE RAZOR CLAM, SLACK TIDE, or A PERFECT WAVE.
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