Razor-clam digging has been approved by the National Park Service for Friday, Jan. 21 and Saturday, Jan. 22 at Kalaloch beach.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on the beach are safe to eat.

The Kalaloch Beach digging area extends from the South Beach Campground to Brown’s Point (just south of Beach Trail 3) in the Olympic National Park.

Digging is restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

“The upcoming opening is confined to the beaches where we have the most clams available for harvest,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “We want to make sure clams are available on all beaches for spring digs.”

Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin noted that diggers should take safety precautions during night digs, especially at Kalaloch.

“Kalaloch is considerably more remote than the other clamming beaches, and visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions,” she said. “With no streetlights or lighted buildings in the area, flashlights or lanterns are a necessity.”

Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s limit must be kept in a separate container. All diggers must have an applicable 2010-11 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older.

Anglers can buy a combination license or an annual shellfish/seaweed license at Forks Outfitters and other outlets. Also available are razor-clam only licenses in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.