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Strait between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands on Puget Sound
Photo: Lmm3181, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Deception Pass State Park spans the north tip of Whidbey Island and the south edge of Fidalgo Island in Washington state, across a narrow waterway connecting the Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It has over of forest, beaches, campsites, trails, and scenic vistas of the San Juan Islands, Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), and Mount Baker. It is one of the most visited Washington state parks, with over two million annual visitors.
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An interpretive center that explains the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps throughout Washington state. The center was originally a bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Near the center is a CCC honor statue, which can be found in 30 U.S. states.
Is actually two spans that link Whidbey Island near Oak Harbor to Fidalgo Island over Canoe Pass and Deception Pass. The 180 ft high bridge was a Public Works Administration project built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.
A story pole that depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a culturally important story of the Samish Indian Nation.
The place to catch an Interpretive program, evening concert, or host an event. This facility was constructed in 2017 using materials from around the park.
0.5 mi one way, 100 ft gain. Varied forest environment with views of the rocky shoreline.
1.5 mi round-trip, 100 ft gain. Gets close to a small light station on a rocky cove.
1.5 mi round-trip, 100 ft gain. The closest seaside views of the pass and bridge.
2.2 mi round-trip, 400 ft gain. Trail follows north shore of Pass Lake through a deep forest.
1 mi one way, 350 ft gain.
1.9 mi round-trip, 150 ft gain. Views of the bridge and Cornet Bay.
0.3 to 0.5 mi to top, 250 ft gain. The highest point on Whidbey Island, a rocky bald with views of the San Juan Islands and Cascade Mountains.
0.4 mi one way, 150 ft gain. Access trail to Quarry Pond.
0.7 mi one way, 150 ft gain. Access trail to Cornet Bay Retreat Center.
0.9 mi one way, 190 ft gain. Runs along the bluffs overlooking North Beach, which a variety of beach access points.
0.8 mi paved ADA loop. This trail has a series of interpretive panels providing information about the seaside vegetation unique to this area and includes an observation deck.
1 mi one way. Access trail to Cranberry Lake.
.25 mi round-trip. Self-guided interpretive hike through varied coniferous and open transitional forest environments.
This old-growth forest is one of the largest remaining in Puget Sound lowlands.
A long, gravelly shoreline with views of the Olympic Mountains, the San Juan Islands, and even Victoria on a clear day.
A 1 mi gravelly shoreline with views of the Deception Pass Bridge. There are two CCC picnic shelters at the eastern end of the beach.
A sand and rock beach at the north end of the calm bay.
Has one ramp.
Has six ramps.
A marine park in Skagit Bay. The park offers several campsites, attractive beaches and a trail across the island. The island is forested with occasional meadows and rock outcroppings. The island is a natural area preserve to protect a rare Puget Sound ecosystem and accessible only both boat. 5 moorage buoys available.
A marine camping park in Skagit Bay, accessible only by boat. The island is forested with occasional meadows, rock outcroppings, attractive beaches and a land trail and has 2 mooring buoys.
Family-oriented 1.5 hour sea kayaking tours depart from the protected waters of Bowman Bay, avoiding the turbulent currents in the Narrows of Deception Pass, choosing instead to explore the gorgeous shoreline along Rosario Beach, and the sea cliffs to the north of the Park. Wildlife is abundant on these trips. Reservations recommended; Walk-ups accepted, but trips tend to fill early during summer.
This exciting tour takes visitors on an open-air jet boat through the waters around Deception Pass and surrounding areas. Also offers whale watching and marine mammal tours.
Combustion engines prohibited.
All motors prohibited. Only catch-and-release fly fishing is permitted.
Brews up fresh espresso from a vintage camp trailer.
Offering plenty of space for large meetings and group activities. A duplex and bunkhouse can accommodate up to 70 guests, each building has restrooms with showers. The main lodge offers a large, fully equipped kitchen with a walk-in refrigerator, reach-in refrigerator, freezer, full storage pantry and large prep area.
Five cabins with electric heat, lights and locking doors. Cabins are furnished with a bunk bed that sleeps three, a futon couch that sleeps two and a table with chairs. Bathrooms and showers are nearby. Outside is a picnic table and fire pit with grate. Bathrooms and showers are nearby. Reserve up to nine months in advance.
Two deluxe cabins include a restroom with shower and kitchen. Reserve up to nine months in advance.
Open seasonally. A small, old-fashioned campground tucked into the trees and close to the water. 18 standard sites, 2 partial-hookup sites. Showers in nearby restroom.
Open seasonally. The largest campground at Deception Pass, hidden in the old-growth forest between North Beach, West Beach and Cranberry Lake on Whidbey Island. 147 standard sites, 83 partial-hookup sites, 5 hiker/biker sites. Showers in all restrooms.
Open year round. Set beside a pleasant rock-rimmed pond to the east of Highway 20. 7 standard sites, 49 partial-hookup sites, 1 hiker/biker site. Restroom with showers, kitchen shelter and a gazebo at center of campground.
The Lake Store has firewood, ice cream and other camping supplies.
The Fidalgo Island (north) side is mostly along WA-20. There are numerous places to park along the road. While the road itself is not particularly walkable, it is paralleled by scenic hiking trails.
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