Seattle Day Trips: Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island

Deception PassState Park is an amazing hidden gem in the northwest. More than 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, nearly 34,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, and 38 miles of hiking trails through the beautiful evergreen forest make Deception Pass State Park a remarkable getaway for anyone. The park offers more than 300 campsites and 260 picnic shelters. There are three freshwater boat ramps and five saltwater boat ramps available, attesting to the size of this hidden park.

For a day trip, drive down to the shores of Cranberry Lake. From the parking area you can see the Puget Sound and the water's entrance to Deception Pass. To the East lies Cranberry lake's swimming area. After you have soaked up all the scenery you think this park has to offer, kick the sand off of your shoes and drive back to the highway.

Turn North on Highway 20 and drive a couple of hundred yards to another small parking area on the left. This parking area is just south of the Deception Pass Bridge.

This bridge is approximately 180 feet high, depending on the tide. Built in the 1930's, it is actually two bridges spanning Deception Pass and Canoe Pass. The two bridges connect Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. The views from this vantage point are amazing and watching the boats negotiate the treacherous waters is always fascinating.

The Deception Pass State Park is a wonderful place to camp, fish, hike, mountain bike and geocache. The lake is stocked with fish every spring, the salmon run through Deception Pass every year, the hiking trails never end, and there is plenty of geocaches for you to search for.

There are 11 geocaches within or bordering the park. Searching for these geocaches will take you to every corner of the park, enabling you to explore the most loved areas of the park. At the very least you must do the Deception Pass Earth Cache. Even if you are not a geocacher, your trip will be much more appreciated and educational if you take a look at the cache page.

Directions:

There are two ways to get to Deception Pass. If you are coming from the north on Interstate 5, take exit 230 toward WA Highway 20 towards Anacortes. Follow the Highway 20 signs through Burlington. 11 miles down the road you must take a left to stay on Highway 20. After making that left turn, Deception Pass State Park is about 7 miles.

From the south, you can still drive Interstate 5 north to exit 230 and follow the directions above. However, for a more scenic drive you can take Exit 182 for WA Highway 525 toward the Mukilteo/Whidbey Island Ferry. After the ferry ride, continue north on WA-525. You will pass through the small towns of Freeland and Greenbank. These are unique towns that are worth exploring. When you come to the intersection, turn onto WA Highway 20. You will pass the historic town of Coupville and the bigger town of Oak Harbor. Continue north another nine miles and you will reach Deception Pass State Park.

Resources:
Washington State Parks: Deception Pass