Deception Pass is Washington’s most-visited state park for a reason. Mysterious coves, rugged cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets and a stomach-dropping high bridge make this park a go-to for locals and international travelers alike.
Families can fish and swim in Cranberry Lake. Beachcombers look for shells along miles of Puget Sound beachfront. Hikers can trek through forest and out along bluffs. And birdwatchers fill their field guides with notes. You may see a whale or a family of seals as you gaze on the wild waters that once challenged early explorers.
Your inner explorer will delight in learning Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history at Bowman Bay. The Corps was FDR’s Depression-era “Tree Army;” it employed nearly 3 million men and built many of America’s state and national parks. An extended stay at Deception Pass will have you peering into tide pools at Rosario Beach, boating at Cornet Bay, strolling on North and West beaches and gaping up at Hoypus Forest, one of Washington’s largest remaining old-growth stands.
You, your family and your out-of-town guests will be awestruck by the area’s beauty and history, and you’ll soon be planning your return. A great way to learn about Deception Pass history, marval in the beauty of the scenery, and enjoy a boat ride is to take a tour with Deception Pass Tours.
Deception Pass State Park spreads over 4,134 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Deception Pass and the high bridge connect Western Washington’s mainland with Whidbey and Fidalgo islands, creating a gateway for exploration.
