ClamClock
Oregon Coast · Seaside to the Columbia River

Razor clamming at Clatsop Beaches

Oregon's razor clam country — the beaches north of Tillamook Head hold over 90% of the state's clams, and they're open most of the year.

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If you’re digging razor clams in Oregon, you’re almost certainly digging the Clatsop beaches. This stretch — from Tillamook Head at Seaside north to the mouth of the Columbia River — holds over 90% of Oregon’s razor clams, and ODFW reports roughly 95% of the state’s digging happens here. South of Tillamook Head razor clams thin out fast; that coast is more about bay clams.

Oregon works differently than Washington

Washington runs on announced dig dates. Oregon mostly doesn’t. The Clatsop beaches are generally open year-round for razor clams — with two big exceptions:

  • The summer conservation closure: every year from July 15 to September 30, razor clamming is closed north of Tillamook Head to protect young clams. The beaches reopen October 1. ODFW has run this closure annually since 1967.
  • Biotoxin closures: the Oregon Department of Agriculture can close beaches at any time for marine toxins, which overrides the open season. Always check before you dig.

So outside of mid-July through September — and absent a toxin closure — you can usually just go, as long as the tide is right.

Where to dig

The main access points, north to south:

  • Clatsop Spit / Fort Stevens State Park (Warrenton/Hammond) — northernmost, near the Columbia mouth
  • Sunset Beach (Warrenton)
  • Del Rey Beach (Gearhart)
  • Gearhart
  • Seaside — the southern end, up against Tillamook Head

Tides and timing

Razor clamming needs a low — ideally minus — tide; dig the outgoing tide down to the low. The reference NOAA station for the area is Astoria (Tongue Point), station 9439040; the actual surf line near the Columbia entrance runs a bit different, so apply local corrections.

Before you go

  • Daily limit: the first 15 razor clams you dig — no sorting, no releasing. All razor clams you dig must be kept regardless of size or condition.
  • License: everyone 12 and older needs an Oregon shellfish license. Resident annual licenses are inexpensive; non-residents can buy annual or short-term. See limits & licenses.
  • Safety: check the ODA shellfish safety hotline (1-800-448-2474) or closures page before every trip — why this matters.

We’ll alert you when the Clatsop beaches clear after a closure and when the tides line up. New to it? Read how to dig razor clams.

Clatsop Beaches razor clamming FAQ

Is razor clamming open year-round on the Oregon coast?
The Clatsop beaches are generally open year-round, with two exceptions — the annual conservation closure from July 15 to September 30, and any biotoxin closures the Oregon Department of Agriculture issues. Outside those, you can usually just go on the right tide.
When is the Oregon razor clam closure?
Every year from July 15 through September 30, razor clamming is closed north of Tillamook Head (the Clatsop beaches) to protect young clams. The beaches reopen October 1. ODFW has run this closure annually since 1967.
Where are the best razor clam beaches in Oregon?
The Clatsop beaches from Seaside north to the Columbia River — including Seaside, Gearhart, Del Rey Beach, Sunset Beach, and Fort Stevens / Clatsop Spit. They hold over 90% of Oregon's razor clams; south of Tillamook Head the clams thin out fast.
Do you need a license to dig razor clams in Oregon?
Yes. Everyone 12 and older needs an Oregon shellfish license. Resident annual licenses are inexpensive, and non-residents can buy annual or short-term licenses. More on licenses.
What is the razor clam limit in Oregon?
The first 15 razor clams you dig — you must keep them all regardless of size or condition, with no sorting or releasing.

Before you head out

How to dig razor clams → Limits & licenses → Domoic acid & PSP safety → All beaches →