Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

Water Closure

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Pass Lake is closed due to a rise in the level of toxins produced by an algae bloom. You may not fish, boat, swim, paddle board or allow your pet in the water. Exposure to the toxins in the water can cause serious illness or death to people and pets. 

Click here for additional information about algae blooms.

Boating and Moorage

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Cornet Bay Marina entrance is under construction. However, it will be opened to marina users Friday, October 4th through Sunday, October 6th.  It will be closed again for through traffic the following week, to complete the project.

Deception Pass Bridge between two islands on a sunny day
Group of young children sitting on the grass listen to a ranger talk
People walk on sand near the waves. Islands in the distance covered by trees.
Island with grass and trees surrounded by dark blue water.
RVs in campsites on a sunny day in the forest

Deception Pass State Park

41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Spanning two islands and connected by a series of iconic bridges, Deception Pass features a mix of rugged ocean cliffs and quiet old growth forests. Best known for its panoramic views and jaw-dropping sunsets, this park is a go-to for locals and international travelers alike.

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses Allowed

Bowman Bay

Due to unsafe conditions, the Bowman Bay pier is closed indefinitely. The boat launch is also closed indefinitely to trailered vessels. Kayaks, paddle boards and canoes have access to the launch.

The trail between Lottie Point Loop and Lighthouse Point Loop at Bowman Bay is closed until further notice due to storm damage. Part of the trail has been washed away and the walking bridge has been damaged by rising tides and large driftwood. Please avoid this area for your safety. You may walk around this area, on the beach.

West Beach parking area

No trailers, motorhomes, busses or other vehicles over 25 feet long will be allowed to enter the West Beach parking area due to limited parking resulting from winter storm damage. Busses may drop off passengers at the West Beach Parking lot and park in the East Cranberry Lake Parking lot. This closure includes the Cranberry Lake boat launch area.

Click here to learn more about the storm damage. 

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

Biking

Bird Watching

Boating

Camping

Crabbing

First Day Hike Events

Fishing

Geocaching

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Interpretive and Visitor Centers

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Kayaking

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Paddleboarding

Scuba Diving

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Shellfishing

Swimming

Winter Camping

Amenities

Accessible Campsites

Automated Pay Station

Accessible Restrooms

ADA Buildings

Drinking Water

Double campsites

Fire Pit

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Firewood

Park Ranger Station

Restrooms

Showers

Trash Service

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Boat Ramp

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Buoys

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Dock

Moorage

Grill

Kitchen Shelter

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

Parking

Trailer Dump

Amphitheater

Concessions

Interpretive Opportunities

Accessible Trails

Bike Trails

Equestrian Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

Field

Forest

Freshwater

Island

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Lake

Mountain View

Ocean Beach

River

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Sandy Beach

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Wetland

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses Allowed

Bowman Bay

Due to unsafe conditions, the Bowman Bay pier is closed indefinitely. The boat launch is also closed indefinitely to trailered vessels. Kayaks, paddle boards and canoes have access to the launch.

The trail between Lottie Point Loop and Lighthouse Point Loop at Bowman Bay is closed until further notice due to storm damage. Part of the trail has been washed away and the walking bridge has been damaged by rising tides and large driftwood. Please avoid this area for your safety. You may walk around this area, on the beach.

West Beach parking area

No trailers, motorhomes, busses or other vehicles over 25 feet long will be allowed to enter the West Beach parking area due to limited parking resulting from winter storm damage. Busses may drop off passengers at the West Beach Parking lot and park in the East Cranberry Lake Parking lot. This closure includes the Cranberry Lake boat launch area.

Click here to learn more about the storm damage. 

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Map & visitor guide

48.39733, -122.64602

Interpretive opportunities

Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center

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. 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 April to September, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Field Trips

Deception Pass is a great outdoor classroom, and we want to support your educational efforts as best we can while also protecting the natural resources. Email DeceptionPass.Interpreter@parks.wa.gov to inquire more. All school groups interested in visiting the Rosario tide pools are required to register with park staff prior to their visit. 

Park Programs

Educational opportunities and Junior Ranger programs are offered throughout the year. Check the Deception Pass calendar for a schedule of planned events. Information is also posted at Welcome Booth. 

Park Areas and Trails

Cornet Bay Retreat Center

Cornet Bay Retreat Center located within the iconic Deception Pass State Park offers plenty of space for large meetings and group activities, with spectacular views of Mount Baker and Cornet Bay.

Kukutali Preserve

This 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.

Maiden of Deception Pass

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 story of the Samish Indian Nation. 

Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail

The Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail is a 0.8 mile paved ADA loop ADA. This trail has a series of interpretive panels providing information about the seaside vegetation unique to this area and includes an observation deck. 

Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail access

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.

At Deception Pass State Park, you hop onto PNT to enjoy sweeping views from the summit of Goose Rock or explore nearly ten miles of the trail system. Plan your trip by visiting the Pacific Northwest Trail website.

Water and beach activities

Boaters

Set on the dynamic shores of Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, Deception Pass has ample water activities. Boaters may take advantage of more than 1,100 feet of dock and 1,980 feet of moorage, and both freshwater and saltwater boating opportunities from five watercraft launches. White water kayaking and sailboarding -- for the seasoned paddler and boarder, is popular around the island and under spectacular Deception Pass Bridge. Please note, due to unsafe conditions, the Bowman Bay pier is closed indefinitely. 

Crabbing and Fishing

Crabbing and both fresh and saltwater fishing are popular at Deception Pass. 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.

Swimming

Go for a swim from the beach or, if you are an experienced diver, explore the wonders beyond the shore at Deception Pass. Swimming allowed in designated areas only. 

Tide Pools

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. 

Park Store, Boat Tours, Espresso and Snacks

The Lake Store at Cranberry Lake

Great gifts and necessities from hoodies and tees to toothbrushes The Lake Store has firewood, ice cream and pretty much anything a camper might want.  Open Fridays and Saturdays April- mid June then daily until Labor Day. They are located between the Cranberry Lake campgrounds and at the Bridge Kiosk or online. For more information, visit them on Instagram.

Anacortes Kayak Tours 

For some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington State, come see what all the fuss is about with Anacortes Kayak Tours. Tours are available April -through September. They are located in the Bowman Bay boat launch parking lot. For additional information, visit them online or on Instagram.

Campstuff Coffee 

Campstuff Coffee brews up fresh espresso from a vintage camp trailer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. They're located at the main camp loop entrance next to the Lake Store. NEW FOR 2024: Campstuff has a second 'roaming' vehicle that will set up at North Beach and the Bridge. For more information visit them on Instagram.

Deception Pass Tours

A fun ride awaits you with Deception Pass Tours! This exciting tour takes visitors on an open-air jet boat through the waters around Deception Pass and surrounding areas. 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 to help you with additional information and reservations, or you may visit them online.

Sister Sister Kettle Corn 

Come get your snack on at Sister Sister Kettle Corn! Served up fresh daily, they also carry a variety of beverages and ice cream. For the 2024 season, you can find them near the bridge next to Deception Pass Tours. They are open weekends, mid-May through mid-September. For more information, find them on Instagram.