Low tides expose beaches this week

A series of extreme low tides this week will expose geoduck grounds and other delights for people on Whidbey Island.

“A series of extreme low tides this week will expose geoduck grounds and other delights for people on Whidbey Island.The lowest tides of the summer will occur Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23, when the water level plummets to minus 3.4 feet at around noon. But the tide will also be plenty low Wednesday, June 20, at minus 2.2, and on Sunday at minus 2.9. According to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the lowest tides on Friday and Saturday will be perfect for geoduck hunting. Washington’s largest mollusk is hard to find, however. The giant clam is typically found 2 to 3 feet down, so be prepared to dig deep — and dig quickly, before the hole fills back up with sand.Low tides also expose other types of clams as well as seldom-seen sea life. Frugal fishermen like to go out and pick up lures lost during the last salmon season.Others simply enjoy walking along the water line as close to the Olympic Mountains or Camano Island as they will ever get on foot on Whidbey Island. “