Deception Pass State Park

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16

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.

Attend an interpretive program to learn about the park's cultural and natural history. Check out the Washington State Park - Calendar for the full list of programs. 


Park features
Deception Pass State Park spreads over 3,854 acres, a marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. The park is actually located on two islands — Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. The Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the two islands, creating a gateway for exploration.

Kukutali Preserve on Kiket Island is the newest state park property at Deception Pass. Co-owned and co-managed by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks, this area welcomes visitors to bask in its old-growth forest, which ends at stunning views of Fidalgo, Hope, and Skagit islands. Flagstaff Point beyond a neck of land is off-limits to people, to protect a rare environment called a "rocky bald," which supports fragile native plant communities. Pets are not allowed in any area of the preserve.

Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island periodically fly over the campground while engaged in local training. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions for campers. At various times during the day and night, the aviators may engage in Field Carrier Landing Practice for imminent operations aboard aircraft carriers. The park and naval station have been neighbors since 1942. Although State Parks cannot be responsible for the jet noise, we do share visitor concerns with our representatives of Naval Air Station Whidbey.

Park Wi-Fi Service

Link to Washington State Parks WiFi information page Opens in new windowFree, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available in limited coverage areas at Deception Pass. For more information on coverage areas and hours of service at Deception Pass and our growing list of parks with Wi-Fi service, visit our parks Wi-Fi page.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. History
  5. Maps

ACTIVITIES

TRAILS

  • 1.2 miles of ADA hiking trails
  • 3 miles of bike trails
  • 6 miles of horse trails
  • 38 miles of hiking trails

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) is a 1,200-mile-long footpath through some of the most spectacular and scenic terrain in the United States. It stretches between the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Olympic National Park and the Rocky Mountains in Montana, connecting the varied landscapes and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

In Deception Pass State Park, you can climb the PNT to enjoy sweeping views from the summit of Goose Rock or explore nearly ten miles of the trail system. You might be inspired to visit the PNT in four other Washington state parks, or even to see it all! Every year, adventurous backpackers from around the world attempt to walk the entire trail. In summer, these thru-hikers will spend an evening camping in the state park before continuing on their long-distance journeys. To plan your trip on the Pacific Northwest Trail, visit at www.pnt.org.

WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

  • 450 feet of dock
  • 710 feet of dock
  • 1,980 feet of moorage
  • Boating (freshwater/saltwater)
  • Crabbing
  • Diving
  • Fishing (freshwater/saltwater)
  • Swimming
  • Watercraft launches (5)
  • White-waterkayaking

CONCESSIONS:  

  • *New for 2021!  Deception Pass welcomes Blue Otter Kayaks to the shores of Cranberry Lake! Kayak, SUP and canoe rentals are available daily from   11-5 through Labor Day.  For more information, visit them online or on Instagram.
  • Anacortes Kayak Tours - For some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington State, come take a tour with Anacortes Kayak Tours.  Tours run from April through September. They are located in the parking lot of the Bowman Bay boat launch. For additional information and tours, visit them online or on Instagram.
  • Campstuff Coffee brews up fresh espresso from their vintage camp trailer from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. They are located at the camp loop entrance across from Cranberry Lake. For more information look them up online or Instagram.
  • Sister Sister Kettle Corn serves up fresh kettle corn, a variety of beverages and ice cream near the West Beach parking lot. They are open weekends, mid-May through mid-September. Visit them on Instagram.
  • Deception Pass Tours - A fun ride awaits you with Deception Pass Tours! This exciting n-hour tour takes visitors on an open-air jet boat through the waters around Deception Pass and surrounding area.  See wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and maybe even a whale! Tours are offered daily April through September. A kiosk is located at the south end of the Deception Pass Bridge or for more information and reservations, visit them online.

OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

  • Amphitheaters (2)
  • Beach exploration
  • Bird watching
  • Fire circles (6)
  • Horseshoe pit
  • Interpretive center
  • Mountain biking
  • Sailboarding
  • Wildlife viewing

INTERPRETIVE OPPORTUNITIES

The Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center is located in the Bowman Bay area of the park. The center was originally a bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. In 1987, the building was renovated into a museum by CCC alumni and Washington State Parks staff. The center’s exhibits tell the incredible story of the CCC’s work across the state of Washington during the Great Depression. 

The center is free-of-charge and is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. April through September. 

The Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail at West Beach includes an observation deck and signage that explains local vegetation and ecosystems. The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole is located in the Rosario Beach area of the park. The carving depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a culturally important legend of the Samish Indian Nation.

Junior Ranger and other educational programs are offered mid-May through Labor Day at the park’s amphitheater. A schedule of planned events is posted at the ranger contact station.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • To prevent serious accidents, hikers are encouraged to stay on main trails and avoid straying to the sides.
  • Mountain biking is prohibited except in marked areas.
  • Fires and swimming are permitted in designated areas only.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • To protect the Rosario Tide Pools follow the yellow rope trail, do not touch or remove creatures, and no pets. Large groups such as schools, homeschool, or summer camps should contact park staff at DeceptionPass.Interpreter@parks.wa.gov prior to their visit. 
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).