Deception Pass West Beach Parking Area Damage
Project summary
The West Beach parking lot at Deception Pass State Park experienced significant damage following heavy winter storms in January. The lot pavement was damaged in several areas and littered with large debris. The parking lot is located near a shoreline, which is a sensitive ecosystem. Repairing the damage and moving any debris requires special permitting and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Park staff is planning to create limited day-use parking availability in an undamaged area of the lot. This work will tentatively be completed in early June, permit timelines permitting. There will be only about a third of the parking available this summer at the West Beach lot, which will include a small passenger drop-off area. RVs, trucks with trailers and boats will not be able to enter the reduced parking lot and must use other parking areas.
Addressing the damage to the West Beach area has two components: short-term cleanup of debris from part of the parking lot to re-establish some parking in anticipation of the park’s busy season, and long-term planning for sustainable redevelopment of this area.
- Location: Deception Pass State Park
What to expect during your visit
We anticipate the reduced parking at West Beach will put stress on other parking areas and create increased traffic and delays within the park. Day-use visitors will need to plan ahead, arrive early and expect available parking to fill up quickly.
Alternative parking is available in the Cranberry Lake parking lot, which as walking access to West Beach, approximately one mile away. The North Beach day-use area and parking lot are also open.
Please note: Cranberry Lake Road is closed at the east side of Cranberry Lake, just past the Lake Store entrance. There is no access to the Cranberry Lake boat launch.
Day-use parking is not allowed in campgrounds and any unauthorized parking may result in a ticket. Parking along State Route 20 is not permitted and is extremely dangerous.
Summer programming
The park will still offer summer programming for visitors, such as interpretive walks, junior ranger programs, and other activities from Memorial to Labor Day weekend. Popular programs such as the American Roots Concert series are still scheduled for the summer, though visitors should plan to check the website for recommended concert parking.
Other parks in the area
Deception Pass is a popular park for good reason, but there are several other beautiful parks nearby that we encourage visitors take the opportunity to check out. These parks will be less crowded and may provide a more intimate experience for your friends and family to explore in nature.
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Rockport, one hour and 15 minutes away