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## Description

Imagine spending Thanksgiving weekend tucked away in a cozy cabin, surrounded by the dramatic cliffs, old-growth forests, and crashing waves of Washington's most visited state park. Welcome to Deception Pass State Park ā€” a 4,134-acre gem spanning Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, connected by one of the most iconic bridges in the Pacific Northwest.
This trip combines wild shellfish foraging at Long Point, nighttime tide pooling, whirlpool watching from the bridge, Thanksgiving dinner cooked together at the cabin, a full day exploring southern Whidbey Island, and some of the best coastal hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Are you ready to spend Thanksgiving the right way? šŸŒŠ

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## Itinerary

  1. Wednesday 11/25, 5:30PM ā€” Leave Seattle
  2. Wednesday 11/25, ~6:15PM ā€” šŸš¢ Mukilteo-Clinton ferry (~20 min crossing)
  3. Wednesday 11/25, ~7:00PM ā€” šŸ½ļø Dinner at Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar in Langley (closes 8:30PM ā€” arrive by 7PM)
  4. Wednesday 11/25, ~8:30PM ā€” Drive north to Long Point (~45 min) and šŸ¦Ŗ forage mussels and dig clams 8:30ā€“10:00PM (see Shellfish Harvesting section below)
  5. Wednesday 11/25, ~10:00PM ā€” Drive north to Deception Pass cabin (~30 min), drop bags and store shellfish
  6. Wednesday 11/25, ~10:45PM ā€” šŸŒŠ Head to North Beach for tide pooling ā€” low tide hits 11:36 PM (-3.84ft), deepest of the trip
  7. Thursday 11/26, 9:00AM ā€” šŸ„¾ Goose Rock Trail via North Beach (4.3 miles)
  8. Thursday 11/26, 12:00PM ā€” Walk the Deception Pass Bridge in daylight
  9. Thursday 11/26, 2:00PM ā€” šŸ¦ƒ Cook Thanksgiving dinner at the outdoor fire pit/grate ā€” fresh mussels and clams as a seafood course! Relax by the fire after
  10. Friday 11/27, 9:00AM ā€” šŸ„¾ Lighthouse Point & Rosario Head Trail (4.9 miles)
  11. Friday 11/27, 12:00PM ā€” Drive south toward Coupeville (~30 min) and stop at šŸŽØ Price Sculpture Forest at 12:45PM ā€” free 1-hour forest sculpture walk with AR component. Download the app before you go!
  12. Friday 11/27, 2:00PM ā€” šŸ„¾ Ebey's Landing Bluff Trail (~5 miles)
  13. Friday 11/27, 5:30PM ā€” šŸŒ® Dinner at Molka Xete in Coupeville (closes 7PM)
  14. Friday 11/27, ~7:00PM ā€” Drive back to cabin
  15. Friday 11/27, ~10:00PM ā€” šŸŒ€ Deception Pass Bridge ā€” whirlpool watching at peak ebb current. Low tide hits 12:24 AM (-3.67ft) ā€” head to the bridge ~2 hours before for the most dramatic churning
  16. Saturday 11/28, 9:00AM ā€” Explore Fort Ebey State Park ā€” WWII bunkers and beach trail
  17. Saturday 11/28, 11:00AM ā€” Cranberry Lake Trail and Sand Dunes Interpretive Loop (2.8 miles)
  18. Saturday 11/28, 2:00PM ā€” Free time ā€” Anacortes, coffee, or relax at cabin
  19. Saturday 11/28, Evening ā€” Final cabin dinner together
  20. Sunday 11/29, 9:00AM ā€” Last morning walk, pack up, head home

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## šŸ¦Ŗ Shellfish Harvesting

Location We will harvest at Long Point, Whidbey Island. Open year-round for clams, mussels, and oysters per WDFW.
Long Point ā€” WDFW Beach Page
Directions to Long Point From Hwy 20, take a left on Parker Rd., after 1 mile take a right onto Portal Place Rd., bear left on Marine Drive, follow to the end of the road and park on the shoulder. Parking for up to 8 vehicles. No restrooms.
āš ļø Long Point West is closed year-round ā€” DOH has determined shellfish from that portion are not safe for human consumption at any time. Harvest east of Long Point proper only. Do not cross private property at the end of Reeder Road.
Regulations We can harvest up to 10 lbs of mussels per person and everyone must have a shellfish license.
Shellfish/Seaweed Species Rules ā€” Washington Fishing | eRegulations
How to Harvest Mussels Follow this link: How to Harvest Mussels (YouTube)

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## Wildlife Watching

November is excellent for bald eagles, harbor seals, and migrating waterfowl. The Deception Pass Bridge, North Beach, and Cranberry Lake are all prime spots. Binoculars are highly recommended.

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## Equipment

Cabin

  1. Sleeping bag or bedding (bring your own ā€” not provided)
  2. Pillow and toiletries
  3. Trash bags
  4. Portable charger
  5. Cooking equipment and utensils
  6. Thanksgiving groceries ā€” coordinate with the group before arrival
  7. Butter, garlic, and white wine or broth for cooking shellfish
  8. Lighter/matches for the fire pit

Hiking & Tide Pooling

  1. Headlamp (essential ā€” sunset is ~4:15PM)
  2. Waterproof hiking boots with grippy soles
  3. Rain jacket and windbreaker
  4. Warm layers ā€” upper 30s to low 50sĀ°F
  5. Hat with a chinstrap (bridge wind is serious)
  6. Binoculars
  7. Water bottle and snacks
  8. Trekking poles (optional)

Shellfish Harvesting

  1. Shellfish License ā€” required for every harvester, buy in advance
  2. Bucket or mesh bag ā€” one per person (each harvester needs a separate container)
  3. Gloves (highly recommended) and/or small crowbar for prying mussels (highly recommended)
  4. Sturdy waterproof shoes
  5. Long pants
  6. Host will bring a scale for everyone
  7. Clam shovel or hand trowel (optional, for clam diggers)

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## Park Pass

A Discover Pass is required for parking ($10/day or $30/annual). If staying in a park cabin, parking may be included ā€” confirm with your reservation.

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## Cost and Refund

Cost is $150

Full refunds available by 11/10. After that, 50% refund only if someone can take your spot.

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## Payment Methods

Make sure payment is set to friends/family

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## Communication

WhatsApp Group

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## Signup Form

forms.gle

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