Fall in love with Westport, WA with these 6 Autumn Experiences.
Westport is a lovely destination year-round. However, each season offers visitors something a little different to experience. For some, Fall is their favorite season in Westport. The summer crowds subside, and our beaches are the perfect place to find solitude and reset from a busy summer. Surfers will enjoy the empty lineups, offshore winds, and the building swell they have been waiting for all summer. There is no better way to support our community than visiting in the fall and winter months, and we know you'll Fall in love with Westport if you do!
Cook up some fresh local seafood! October is Seafood Month in Washington, and we have a lot to celebrate here in Westport. Oysters, Dungeness crab, razor clams, tuna, salmon, lingcod, halibut… you name it! Come and catch your own, purchase from our fishermen, or visit one of our incredible Seafood Markets or restaurants for the freshest seafood in Washington.
1: Catch a Salmon at the Westport Marina
In 1975, Westport began raising coho in the marina. These babies are released and return in late August to early September as jacks and adults. Fishing for salmon in the boat basin starts on Aug. 16, but the Westport Boat Basin Salmon Derby begins at the peak of the season on Sept. 15 and extends through Oct. 31. For more info on this family-friendly experience, please visit Marina's Blog.
2: Dig Razor Clams
The Pacific Razor Clam is one of the most sought-after shellfish in Washington. It is an exceptionally meaty shellfish with a narrow, elongated shell. In Washington, these clams can grow to a length of three to six inches. Recreational digging for razor clams is one of the most authentic PNW experiences and is fun for the whole family. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved 36 days of tentative razor clam digs from Sept. 29 through Dec. 29. Click below for more info on Razor Clamming in Westport.
3: Catch a Wave
Fall is when the surfing turns on in Westport! The winds shift offshore, and we get some decent swell moving in. Westport offers many surf breaks, accommodating every skill level from beginner to advanced, and is recognized as one of the most popular surfing destinations in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The consistency of surfable waves and the frequency of clean surf combined with convenient access gives surfers a reason to take the easy drive to the coast. Click below for more information on Surfing in Westport.
4: Cranberry Harvest
There's a reason they call it the Cranberry Coast! Cranberry farming has a more than 100-year history here in Grays Harbor. If you've never seen cranberry bogs or harvest, Fall is a great time to see the beautiful red bogs and catch a glimpse of our local farmers in action. Take a drive or ride your bike through the beautiful back roads, and it'll take you back in time. Don't miss out on the Annual Cranberry Harvest Festival October 13 - 15 with Bog tours, Cranberry cook-off, and firelight parade. For more information, please click below.
5: Be a Fungi!
Mushroom hunting in Westport's wetlands! Grab your mushroom identification book, head to the beautiful dune forest at Twin Harbors State Park, and see how many different kinds of mushrooms you can identify. The trails meander through wetlands and provide the perfect environment for all types of unique mushrooms.
6: Celebrate Halloween in Westport
Are you looking for a unique Halloween experience? Get dressed up in your best costumes and Trick-or-Treat the Docks at local businesses and floats. There will be costume contests, prizes, and games.