Deception Pass

Deception Pass State Park welcomes you. Discover its many secrets and pleasures. Explore its scenic beauty and spectacular setting. Visit with friends and family, or in quiet solitude. Adventure and discovery await you.

The Discover Pass is required for day visits to state parks and access to other state-managed recreation lands. The pass provides access to millions of acres of parks, wildlife areas, trails, natural areas and water-access sites. The annual pass is transferable between two vehicles.

• Annual pass: $30 • One-day pass: $10 (transaction and dealer fees may apply) The Discover Pass can be purchased online, by phone or in person. For details, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Thank you for supporting Washington state recreation lands.

### Things to Remember

* Park hours - 6:30 a.m. to dusk April through September, and 8 a.m. to dusk October through March.
* Campsites can be reserved at www.parks.state.wa.us or by calling (888) CAMPOUT. Check at the welcome station for available sites if arriving without a reservation.
* Camping check-in time is 2:30 p.m., check out time is 1 p.m. Please register within 30 minutes of arrival.
* Campsites may not be held for other parties.
* Campers may stay a maximum of 10 days in the summer and 20 days in the off-season.
* Campsites are limited to one recreational (camping) vehicle and a maximum of eight people.
* An additional extra vehicle may be accommodated in most sites for an additional fee.
* Pets must be on leash and under physical control at all times. This includes trail areas and campsites. Pet owners must clean up after pets on all state park lands.
* Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
* Do not gather or collect any firewood, including driftwood, from the park. Wood is available for sale during the summer.
* Keep campfires small and attend to fires at all times. Watch for seasonal fire restrictions during the summer.
* Please take your recyclables home with you.
* Keg beer is not permitted in the park. Alcoholic beverages are allowed only in campsites or at picnic tables.
* Crows and raccoons are frequent campground visitors. Please keep all food in airtight containers or in vehicles. Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
* Drive slowly in the campground in consideration of children and other pedestrian traffic. The speed limit is 10 mph.
* Report disturbances to park rangers or camp hosts. They are trained to help you resolve issues and concerns. In case of emergency, call 911.

### History

With dramatic headlands, tranquil forests, windswept beaches and quiet meadows, Deception Pass State Park captures your imagination and invites your exploration. Spanning the tips of Whidbey and Fidalgo islands, the park is treasured for its spectacular scenery, rich history and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors may enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, boating, photography, beach exploration, scuba diving, learning or simply relaxing.

The park also is respected for its sacred values, the power of its beauty and spirit. Forests with centuries-old trees, tide pools with vibrant but sensitive marine life, and viewpoints of stunning beauty set this park apart from everyday life.

Attracted by its abundant resources and protected shorelines, Coast Salish tribes settled the area now known as Deception Pass. These tribes are well known for their spiritual strength and artistic accomplishments. Their stories continue to be an integral element of the park’s values.

Captain Salvador Fidalgo of Spain explored the area in 1792, leaving behind many Spanish names that are still used today, including Rosario Beach and Fidalgo Island. At about the same time, Captain George Vancouver of England explored the area. He believed the pass was the mouth of the river until his lieutenant sailed around the land to the south, discovering that the adjacent land was actually an island. Vancouver named the island after his lieutenant, Joseph Whidbey. Having been deceived by the narrow waterway, Vancouver named the waterway Deception Pass.

In 1866, the United States government set aside the land around the pass as a military reservation. A Congressional Act designated the property for public recreation in 1922, creating Deception Pass State Park. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built roads, trails, buildings and log railings to develop the park for visitors. Look for evidence of their construction throughout the park.

### Popular Park Features

#### Rosario

* Maiden of Deception Pass – Samish story pole
* Rosario Head
* Rosario Discovery Center (open seasonally)
* Tide pools (please respect all marine life)

#### Bowman Bay

* CCC Interpretive Center (open seasonally)
* Children’s play area
* Kayak rentals (open seasonally)
* Dock for strolling, crabbing and boating

#### Goose Rock

* Excellent views in all directions
* Rare rocky bald ecosystem

#### West Beach and North Beach

* Sand Dune Interpretive Trail with observation deck
* Swimming area with sandy beach at Cranberry Lake
* Amphitheater
* Salmon fishing in season

#### Hoypus Point and Hoypus Hill

* Natural Forest Area with trails through old-growth forest
* Some multi-use trails (bikes and horses allowed)

#### Cornet Bay

* Six-lane boat launch
* Mooring docks and nearby marine services

#### Offshore islands

* Skagit and Hope islands offer primitive campgrounds
* Rustic, two-person rental cabin on Ben Ure Island
* Kukutali Preserve on Kiket Island
* Strawberry, Deception and other islands are Natural Areas

#### Kiket Island

* Part of the Kukutali Preserve
* Co-owned by Deception Pass State Park and the Swinomish Indian tribe
* Two-mile round-trip hike across the island
* Views of wind-swept beaches, Deception Pass bridge and other nearby islands
* Limited parking off Snee-Oosh Road
* Pets and bicycles are not permitted on Kiket Island

### Camping Facilities

The park has 173 tent sites and 138 utility sites with water and electricity. Campsites are very popular, especially during summer. Each standard site has a table, a fire ring and water nearby. Reservations are highly recommended. Please visit www.parks.state.wa.us.

#### Cranberry Lake Campground (open seasonally)

Hidden in the old-growth forest between North Beach, West Beach and Cranberry Lake on Whidbey Island, Cranberry Lake Campground is the largest campground at Deception Pass.

* 148 standard sites
* 82 utility sites – mostly in the Forest Loop
* Five hiker/biker sites
* Showers in all restrooms

#### Quarry Pond Campground (open year round)

The park’s newest campground; set beside a pleasant rock-rimmed pond to the east of Highway 20.

* Seven standard sites
* 49 utility sites
* One hiker/biker site
* Kitchen shelter and a gazebo at center of campground
* Restroom with showers
* Five rustic cabins

#### Bowman Bay Campground (open seasonally)

A small, old-fashioned campground tucked into the trees and close to the water.

* 18 standard sites
* Two utility sites
* Showers in nearby restroom

### Recreation

#### Fishing and boating

Deception Pass features a variety of popular water activities, including boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The park offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities for salmon, ling cod, shrimp and many other fish species. Cornet Bay has six saltwater boat launch ramps and there is a single lane at Bowman Bay.

The park’s two lakes, Cranberry Lake and Pass Lake, offer quiet, protected waters with small launches for freshwater fishing. Only electric motors are permitted on Cranberry Lake; combustion engines are prohibited. On Pass Lake, all motors are prohibited and only catch-and-release fly fishing is permitted.

The saltwater areas of the Pass and nearby bays and passages are very scenic, but also extremely dangerous due to strong currents, winds, and waves coming in from the Strait. Use caution and care while on the water, obey all safety rules, and know your limits and the limits of your vessel.

#### Biking and horseback riding

Some trails in the park are open to bikes and horseback riding. The southern portion of Hoypus Forest offers the most multi-use trails. Check the official park map (reverse side) to see on which trails these activities are permitted.

### Fidalgo Island Trails

#### Rosario Head Trail

Distance: 0.25 mile round-trip loop; Elevation change: 80 feet

Attractions:

* Views of San Juan Islands and Whidbey Island
* High cliffs (remain on trails, and do not leave children unattended)
* Tide pools exposed on low tide days (fragile ecosystem, please stay on trail, guided tours required for large groups)

#### Bowman Bay/Rosario Beach Trail

Distance: 0.5 mile one way; Elevation change: 100 feet

Attractions:

* Varied forest environment
* Views of rocky shoreline
* Steep climb near Bowman Bay

#### Lighthouse Point Loop

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip loop; Elevation change: 100 feet

Attractions:

* Lighthouse is an active navigation aid on a small steel structure topped with a light bulb (access prohibited)
* Views of Deception Pass bridge, rocky coves, San Juan Islands and Whidbey Island
* Varied forest, meadow and wetland environments

#### Lottie Point Loop

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip loop; Elevation change: 100 feet

Attractions:

* Close views of Deception Pass and bridge

#### Pass Lake Loop Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip loop; Elevation change: 400 feet

Attractions:

* Trail follows north shore of Pass Lake
* Deep evergreen forest along a forested hill

#### Tursi Trail

Distance: 1 mile one way; Elevation change: 350 feet

Attractions:

* Varied forest environment
* Views of Naked Man Valley

### Whidbey Island Trails

#### Goose Rock Perimeter Trail

Distance: 1.9 miles round-trip loop; Elevation change: 150 feet

Attractions:

* Views of Deception Pass Bridge, Ben Ure and Strawberry islands, and Cornet Bay
* Evergreen forest environment

#### Goose Rock Summit Trails

Distance: 0.3 to 0.5 mile to top; Elevation change: 250 feet

Attractions:

* Summit is highest point on Whidbey Island
* Wide views of San Juan Islands and Whidbey Island
* Views of Mount Rainier on clear days
* Rare rocky bald ecosystem
* At the summit, walk on bare rock and main trail only—fragile vegetation is underfoot!

#### Lower Forest Trail

Distance: 0.4 mile one way; Elevation change: 150 feet

Attractions:

* Evergreen forest environment
* Access to Quarry Pond Campground and park administration building

#### Discovery Trail

Distance: 0.7 mile one way; Elevation change: 150 feet

Attractions:

* CCC-built underpass
* John Tursi Commemorative Sign
* Evergreen forest environment
* Access to Cornet Bay Retreat Center (guests with reservations only)

#### North Beach Trail

Distance: 0.9 mile one way; Elevation change: 190 feet

Attractions:

* Beach access at low tides
* Access to amphitheater, CCC-built picnic shelters and bridge

#### Sand Dune Interpretive Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip loop; Elevation change: minimal

Attractions:

* ADA trail (paved)
* Native sand dune environment
* Marsh overlook
* Dune forest
* 18 interpretive panels designed by local high school students
* Dune plants are fragile—please remain on pavement at all times

#### Cranberry Lake Trail

Distance: 1 mile one way; Elevation change: minimal

Attractions:

* CCC-built kitchen shelters at east end of lake
* Access to Cranberry Lake Campground
* Marshy habitat (watch for beavers)

#### Upland Interpretive Trail

Distance: .25 mile round-trip loop; Elevation change: minimal

Attractions:

* Self-guided interpretive hike through varied forest ecosystem
* Dry coniferous and open transitional forest environments

#### Hoypus Hill/Hoypus Point

Natural Area Trails, Distance: variable (see map) Elevation change: variable (see map)

Attractions:

* Varied forest environment
* Solitude
* Old-growth forest is one of the largest remaining in Puget Sound lowlands
* Access to Cornet Bay Marine Area
* Multi-use trails (bikes and horses allowed) in Hoypus Hill area