Waldport Beach Map

Clam, Crab, Mussel, Fish

  • Razor Clams Have Been Found On Good Years Both South and North of the Jetty.
  • North is Best, But Razor Clamming is Unpredictable and Unproductive Most Years.
  • Increasing Populations From 2018 Have Some Locals Cautiously Optimistic About 2020.
  • Waldport (pop. 2,060), Small Quiet Town With Pristine Bay and Sandy Ocean Beaches.
  • Touted as One of Oregon’s Cleanest Bays (Little Manufacturing and Farming up Stream).
Waldport Beach Alsea Bay

Waldport Beach Razor Clamming

Waldport beach has offered some good years of razor clamming. But nothing like Clatsup Spit or Newport’s, Agate Beach area. Although I have never razor clammed here (but have had good success with bay clams and crabbing) locals have told me that the north side of the jetty beach area is the best place to go. However; as I understand its been unproductive since 2013. I was there once in 2011 and there were razor clam shells all over the beach; however, I didn’t have my clam gear and was just observing the beach and surf.

Public access for north beach is available just off of NW Oceania Dr and NW Sandpiper Drive.

Waldport Beach and Alsea Bay

Not so well known Waldport Beach is located along the Alsea Bay and River, 15 miles south of Newport and 8 miles north of Yachats. Waldport is especially proud of the Alsea Bay Bridge, completed in August 1991, and caters mainly to recreational boaters and fishermen. There are no jetties at the mouth of the bay. Consequently, strong outgoing tides make boating near the entrance dangerous. If boating, be mindful of the outgoing tides.

Alsea Bay Clamming

Clamming here can be fair to good and most areas have good public access. The seawall area of the south side of the mouth has ample parking too. This is a good place to rake for cockles. However, you will need a good low tide, -1.0 or above. The better the tide the farther out you can get to reach the cockles, therefore, bettering results. Many people rake under the water to get that extra depth out into the bay. Don’t be surprised if you rake up a few crabs too!

There are others spots but some are pretty muddy, which makes it harder to navigate (north side of the bay). Also, not pictured on the map is Eckman Lake near the First Baptist Church. You’ll find easy access and ample parking with walk-on access there. Dress appropriately for mud, softshell clams can be found here in many of the muddy areas below the salt marsh.

Alsea Bay Crabbing

There is also crabbing here, best under the Waldport Bay Bridge to the ocean entrance. Near the ocean entrance is also a good place to crab from the shore line, and there is no boat needed. The locations to shore crab are easy to get to and are pointed out on the map above. There are also two marinas that rent crab boats and everything else you need.

I especially love, Alsea Bay crabs because the Alsea River area has very little farming and manufacturing so the water is very clean. So, that produces some beautiful crabs!! in fact, best I’ve ever had!

Disclaimer
Information provided is a result of personal experience at each bay or beach location.
In addition, local residences providing input and advice, and ongoing information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife websites.  Information will change as incoming seas tend to shift and move sand, after that it makes it harder for clams to reproduce. So always check for current beach closures and advisories related to biotoxins, pollution or other human health concerns the same day you plan to harvest. Razorclamming.com is not responsible for the accuracy of this data and the outcome or results of your personal efforts, or safe consumption of shellfish.

Shellfish Safety Hotline
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-448-2474
Alt Phone: 503-986-4728