What to bring: crabbing, clam digging and storm weekends near Raymond WA

A practical packing list for Dungeness crabbing in Willapa Bay, razor clam digs, and storm-watching weekends near Raymond WA, with the license and gear rules from WDFW.

Most coast weekends out of Raymond come down to three trips: crabbing in Willapa Bay, a razor clam dig on an approved date, or a storm weekend watching big surf. Each needs different gear. This list sticks to what official sources require, plus the common-sense layers the weather here calls for. Rules change, so re-check the linked pages before you pack.

For everyone: licenses and passes

Fishing/shellfish license: WDFW says residents and non-residents alike need a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters, and everyone 16 and older needs one. Options range from an annual shellfish/seaweed license to combination licenses valid for a single day up to a year. Source: WDFW — Fishing and shellfishing licenses.
Discover Pass: required for parking at state parks such as Cape Disappointment and Leadbetter Point. State Parks lists a one-day pass at $10 and an annual pass at $45. Source: Discover Pass.

Dungeness crabbing in Willapa Bay

WDFW lists Willapa Bay (Marine Area 2-1) as open with crab pots from November 15 through September 15, and crab gear other than pots open year-round. A catch record card is not required in the coastal crab area. Bring:

Pots, ring nets, snares or a dipnet. WDFW allows these, plus harvest by hand. Hand-operated tools may not pierce the shell.
A buoy for any unattended gear: half red, half white, marked with your first and last name and permanent address. WDFW says bleach or antifreeze bottles, paint cans and other containers can’t stand in for a buoy.
A biodegradable rot/escape cord on every pot.
A crab gauge, so you can check size against the marine-area rules, and a cooler. WDFW requires releasing all soft-shell crab and all female Dungeness crab.
Gloves, bait, and a tide table.

Daily limits and minimum size are set per marine area. Check them on the WDFW crab page. Our Willapa Bay crabbing guide covers where people go.

Razor clam digging

WDFW opens razor clam beaches only on announced dates, and each opening depends on marine toxin testing passing first. WDFW currently lists Long Beach and Twin Harbors digs as postponed until further notice due to elevated marine toxin levels (checked November 4, 2026). Confirm a dig is open before you drive. When one is:

A clam shovel or clam gun (tube), and a separate container for each digger, as WDFW requires.
Your license. WDFW sets the daily limit at 15 clams per person, and you must keep the first 15 you dig, regardless of size or condition.
A lantern or headlamp. Fall and winter low tides often fall at night, and WDFW notes that diggers dig by lantern or flashlight.
Waders or rain pants and boots, and a change of clothes for the drive back.

WDFW says most successful digging happens one to two hours before the listed low tide. If you drive on the beach, keep to the 25-mph limit and the hard-packed sand near the high-tide line. Source: WDFW — Razor clams. See also our razor clam guide.

Storm weekends

Rain jacket and rain pants, a warm mid-layer, a hat and gloves. Wind on the open coast makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Waterproof boots with good grip for wet trails and jetty viewpoints.
Binoculars, and a dry bag for your phone and camera.
Snacks and water. State Parks notes the Cape D Store at Cape Disappointment is closed in 2026 and into 2027.
Sneaker-wave awareness. The National Weather Service says these waves can run at least 150 feet up dry sand. Stay well back and stay off logs near the surf. Source: NWS — Sneaker waves.

Where to watch: our storm watching guide. Weather too rough? Use our rainy day guide as your indoor backup.

What you can leave at home

Hill Top Hideaway has a full kitchen for cooking your catch, a washer and dryer for muddy and soaked gear, and room to park a vehicle loaded with pots and coolers. That means fewer towels and less gear to pack.

Why stay inland in Raymond

Hill Top Hideaway is an updated 3-bedroom vacation rental in Raymond, WA, operated by Hope and Grace LLC. It sleeps 6, has a full kitchen, a washer and dryer for wet gear, and plenty of room to park. After a long day on the bay or the beach, you come back to a whole house instead of a single room.

Stay nearby at Hill Top Hideaway

Looking for Raymond WA lodging for this trip? Hill Top Hideaway is an updated 3-bedroom home in Raymond, WA (Pacific County), operated by Hope and Grace LLC. It sleeps 6 and sits about a five-minute walk from the Willapa Hills Trail. Book on the platform you prefer.

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Sources

Last checked against official public sources on November 4, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles). Details change — always re-check the linked pages before you go.