Hi deptrai,

Looks like the low tide Monday is at 11:30am so you can probably launch later than that if you want. Depending on what you want to do the clamming probably won't take a long time, but you might want more time fishing. (Unless you were going to go out to the jetty first and then clam on your way back.) The tides can be nasty indeed! But watch the wind forecast, too. Right now Monday looks like a "go" to me, wind-wise. Of course each person should make their own decision based on their comfort level and skillset.

I launch at the marina because it's convenient and not muddy. I prefer to take my cart off in the water so I don't have to drag my kayak around on the ramp or rocks. In addition to the fish cleaning station launch, you can also launch on the opposite side of the port from the marina if you are willing to carry your kayak over some shoreline rocks. This cuts off a little time getting out to the jetty. It can be pretty mucky at low tide, though.

Yes, we only harvested cockles. We were going to get after some gaper clams too but had too much fun with the cockles so we just used our limit on that. Currently it's 20 clams, only 12 of which can be gapers. In my very limited experience digging gapers at Tillamook they are easy to find but pretty deep so be prepared to get in up to your armpits for them.

Yes, the island in the middle is only accessible by watercraft. By comparison, the shoreline had literally hundreds of people digging clams at low tide, so it's an option but you'll have a lot more room to roam if you get out on the kayak (or boat).

Hope you're able to make it out! Post some pictures if you do, I'd enjoy seeing them.