The shovel and its reflection point to a dimple in the sand indicating the presence of a clam.
Ninilchik lies along a stretch of the western Kenai Peninsula which is known for its tremendous razor clam stocks. The Pacific Razor Clam, Siliqua Aqua, seems to have perfected the art of mass reproduction. Every year, clam diggers by the hundreds converge on the beaches at particular low tides and dig to their heart’s content or 60 clams apiece, whichever comes first. Pounding surf during extreme tides might unearth the critters by the thousands to be eaten by birds and other scavengers. Yet every year there's enough for all! After a clam tide, the beach appears to be a battleground, pockmarked by diggers’ holes as if by so much artillery. A mere twelve hours later, a complete tidal cycle washes away all trace of disturbance, leaving the beach as pure and pristine as at the beginning of creation.
Tides are caused by the gravitation of the of the sun and especially the moon. Tugging on the liquid blanket of the earth's oceans, the sun and moon make the waters rise and fall as the planet spins on its axis in their gravitational fields. The local extreme variation in water levels from the highest high tide to the lowest low is about 30 feet. Generally, each day will have two tidal cycles - two high and two low tides. The average of the lower of daily low tides (mean low low) is considered the zero foot level, and any "minus tides," especially -3 feet or better, are considered "clam tides."
Clam digging equipment - "high-tech" buckets and shovels - is provided for our hostellers at no extra charge. The beaches may be accessed either via Ninilchik or Deep Creek beaches. Just park and start walking. If there are several hostellers - say four or more - interested in going clam digging, we are willing to make arrangements to provide transport to and from the beach for a small additional charge. Just ask!