Five ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the outdoors
Want to have the itinerary to “wow” your significant other around Valentine’s Day? While Feb. 14 or the days leading up to it are often enamored with flowers, gifts, a romantic dining experience or a box of chocolates or other sweet treats, there really is no correct way to observe this special day.
Instead of doing something cliché, how about taking it to another level by heading outdoors for an experience they’ll never forget.
1. Watch marine wildlife — sustainably
This Valentine’s Day, consider an awe-inspiring watchable wildlife opportunity. In Pacific Northwest waters you can commonly view seals, sea lions, and porpoises, as well as humpback, minke, gray, and killer whales (often called orca). There are two types of killer whales seen frequently in Washington waters: transient killer whales that hunt marine mammals, and endangered southern resident killer whales that eat salmon. Offshore killer whales that eat sharks are rarely spotted far off the Washington coast.
- View whales from shore: Shore-based viewing sites offer one way to enjoy whales while minimizing possible disturbances to sensitive populations. You might consider visiting stops along The Whale Trail, with more than 100 locations along the West Coast that offer opportunities to spot whales and other marine mammals from shore.
- Join a tour: Another responsible wildlife watching option is to hop aboard a licensed commercial whale watching tour. Operators offer tours year-round with ample opportunities to view humpbacks, minke whales, gray whales, and the transient population of orcas. Sea kayak tours also provide opportunities to enjoy nature and potentially view marine birds and mammals.
Licensed commercial whale watching operators and kayak guides are working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to ensure their wildlife viewing opportunities are safe and sustainable by reducing the amount of time and boats near Southern Residents. Operators only view Southern Residents during certain viewing windows, and no more than three motorized commercial whale watching vessels may approach a group of Southern Residents within one-half nautical mile at one time.
For more information, visit our Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Program webpage or check out our blog post: Your Guide to Watching Whales Responsibly.
2. Dig for razor clams
The timing of this special day couldn’t be more perfect as the next coastal razor clam dig lands on the evening of Valentine’s Day at Long Beach (low tide is 5:35 p.m.) and followed by more opportunities through Feb. 18.
Digging this winter has been very good with nearly everyone bringing home their 15-clam daily limits, according to WDFW coastal shellfish managers and biologists.
To find out when coastal beaches are open for digging, visit our WDFW razor clam webpage. If your plans include cooking up a batch of razor clams, check out the WDFW recipes webpage for ways to dish up an unforgettable Valentine’s Day meal.
And while you’re there, turn it into a romantic outing by spending quality time at the numerous coastal community resorts, hotels, restaurants, and businesses as well as other sightseeing destination points along the way.
For more information, visit the City of Long Beach, Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ocean Shores, and the Washington State of Tourism websites.
3. Explore your local wildlife area or learn about community science programs in Washington
Ditch the normal routine by doing something totally different and tie it to an experience they’ll never forget with a trip to your local WDFW Wildlife Area.
Many of these magnificent wildlife areas are the perfect settings for bird and wildlife watching and to view old growth, native plants, and wildflowers. These are places to foster unforgettable outdoor experiences and to engage and learn about stewardship efforts to create ever lasting memories.
Community science programs are suitable for people of all ages, and learn powerful skills like observation, identification, data entry, and more. These programs can help connect classroom learning with real-world application of knowledge. And, they give everyone an opportunity to contribute meaningful information to scientists throughout the state. You can find a story and list of activities on the WDFW Medium.
4. Discover the gift of the great outdoors
If you’re tight on time and simply looking for advice on a gift, there is no better way to say “I Love You” than with a Discover Pass, which provides access to millions of acres of Washington-state managed recreation lands.
While you’re at it, consider buying a 2022–2023 recreational hunting and fishing licenses (current licenses expire at midnight on March 31) to ensure plenty of bonding time in the months ahead.
Other outdoorsy gifts include a pair of binoculars for wildlife watching; a clam gun or “wellies” for your next razor clam outing; waders or a rod and reel for a future fishing trip; and a tent, matching sleeping bags and cookware for your next adventure.
5. Indulge in oysters on Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Month
Finally, remember February is American Heart Health Month, and this a time when people are urged to take on ways to advocate cardiovascular health. One way to ensure you and those around you are living healthy is by eating more Washington-harvested seafood like oysters, a popular, nutritious delicacy in the culinary realm!
You can check out a plethora of information on oysters from a recent post on the WDFW Medium on how to gather oysters at Puget Sound and Hood Canal tidelands, locations to purchase fresh oysters, and a variety of tasty recipes.
Celebrate #LifeOutdoorsWA
Help us showcase your time outdoors this Valentine’s Day! Your photos may be featured on WDFW’s Facebook and Instagram to celebrate the variety of ways people enjoy outdoor lifestyles and to inspire others to spend time in nature.
Learn more about enjoying #LifeOutdoorsWA on our website at wdfw.wa.gov/life-outdoors.
