Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park
4.5
About
Deception Pass State Park is a stunning destination that spans a strait and a few islands. Come here for incredible views of Skagit Bay and the Salish Sea from the Canoe Pass Bridge. At Rosario Head, make sure to stop by the tide pools to see colorful birds and an array of marine life.
If you're looking for a place to stay, camping by Bowman Bay is an excellent option. You can even enjoy a cozy bonfire at night. In the morning, go for a hike on the park's scenic trails along deep-blue lakes and amid the lush forest. – Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,417 reviews
Excellent
1,079
Very good
254
Average
45
Poor
19
Terrible
20
derrickwg36
Seattle, WA3,691 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Deception Pass State Park & Bridge is an amazing place to visit. The view from the bridge is absolutely incredible, and there are numerous trails under the bridge, leading to the beach. This is a great place to visit, you can spending hours here to taking in the scenery and walking the trails. This is a great place to visit solo or with friends and family.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul L
Boston, MA13 contributions
Sep 2022
Deception Pass was one of the most beautiful parks I've ever been to. I highly recommend stopping here for a couple hours if you are traveling between Seattle and Vancouver.
My partner and I did the Goose Rock trail, crossed over the bridges, and went to the tidal pools. The views are stunning in every direction. We were there in mid-September so there were ample opportunities to pick and eat blackberries.
We were there for about 2 hours. You could have a great time there for 1-2 hours and see some of the key stuff, or you could also have a great time there for a whole day. There is plenty to see.
FYI the car bridges are pretty harrowing for pedestrians with tall heights and cars/trucks whooshing past you on a very narrow sidewalk. If you are shy about heights or uncomfortable being very close to fast car traffic then I recommend parking closer to the trails you want to do so you don't have to walk across those bridges.
My partner and I did the Goose Rock trail, crossed over the bridges, and went to the tidal pools. The views are stunning in every direction. We were there in mid-September so there were ample opportunities to pick and eat blackberries.
We were there for about 2 hours. You could have a great time there for 1-2 hours and see some of the key stuff, or you could also have a great time there for a whole day. There is plenty to see.
FYI the car bridges are pretty harrowing for pedestrians with tall heights and cars/trucks whooshing past you on a very narrow sidewalk. If you are shy about heights or uncomfortable being very close to fast car traffic then I recommend parking closer to the trails you want to do so you don't have to walk across those bridges.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly F
10 contributions
Oct 2022
It is $10 for a day pass and there is a nice mix of shorter and longer hiking options. Pet friendly!
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Vista Seeker
Pittsford, NY309 contributions
Jul 2022
We had a team-building event for crabbing off the piers. There is a nice hike to a beach park, with breathtaking scenery along the way. We also had boiled fresh shrimp from a well-known local store.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PREugene
Eugene, OR22 contributions
Sep 2022
We spent about 3 hours there, between hiking (easy/moderate) to the top of Goose Rock and then hanging out at North Beach (pebble beach). Beautiful spot, beautiful trails, great for photos from, on, and under the bridge.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joanne N
Fairfax Station, VA28 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We didn’t actually visit the park, but stopped and walked across the amazing bridge and took in the views. A definite thrill and magnificent scenery.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Larry David
Seattle, WA10 contributions
Aug 2022
Visited deception pass state park in the morning at around 6 am, lots of parking, beautiful. Not sure if it gets crowded later.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
828TJA
Everett, WA327 contributions
Jul 2022
This place is gorgeous.
Most people go to the main part of the park, which is on the south side of the bridge, leaving the north part (Bowman Bay) far less crowded. On a beautiful summer weekday the parking lot was barely half full.
Hiking trails in both directions along the beach. CCC built many of the buildings long ago, and they still look great.
Our thanks to friendly Ranger Dave who promptly called an excellent locksmith when we locked ourselves out of our car. (Our T-Mobile unexpectedly had no service there.) He saved us. Thanks, Dave!
Most people go to the main part of the park, which is on the south side of the bridge, leaving the north part (Bowman Bay) far less crowded. On a beautiful summer weekday the parking lot was barely half full.
Hiking trails in both directions along the beach. CCC built many of the buildings long ago, and they still look great.
Our thanks to friendly Ranger Dave who promptly called an excellent locksmith when we locked ourselves out of our car. (Our T-Mobile unexpectedly had no service there.) He saved us. Thanks, Dave!
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DouglasCheah
Penang Island, Malaysia20 contributions
Jul 2022
Recently went for a camping trip here at the Quary Pond Campground. In terms of convenience with young kids age 2 and 6 this is definitely highly recommended. First there is power at this campground which is a first for me. My wife wisely packed a hair dryer which was good as it can get colder at night. Warm shower is available although it takes a while for the woman bathroom but it was clean and a large shower room made it easy to bath my 2 year old. There is also a gas station convenient store nearby which is very welcome.
As for activities the Goose Rock hike is a great 45 mins hike with a great view. We accidently went up the tougher path but my 6 year old could handle and enjoy it. I had to carry my 2 year old but once we reached the top there was a good flat area to rest and enjoy the view. The lake on the main State Park was excellent for young kids as they designated a really shallow area for young kids. I could safely leave them to play with water and sand. The beach was also pleasant but a little cold to swim. There was also ranger activities for younger kids that we did make it and kayak rental too.
The con is that the campground was closer to each other which meant if you had a noisy neighbor it is annoying. Flip side is our kids played with other kids so it was fun. It is also close to a military base so you can hear some jet noise which was not too bad for us as the kids got excited hearing it. They do make a spectacular view if you can catch them on a hike.
Overall, this is really convenient place to camp and definitely making it into my list.
As for activities the Goose Rock hike is a great 45 mins hike with a great view. We accidently went up the tougher path but my 6 year old could handle and enjoy it. I had to carry my 2 year old but once we reached the top there was a good flat area to rest and enjoy the view. The lake on the main State Park was excellent for young kids as they designated a really shallow area for young kids. I could safely leave them to play with water and sand. The beach was also pleasant but a little cold to swim. There was also ranger activities for younger kids that we did make it and kayak rental too.
The con is that the campground was closer to each other which meant if you had a noisy neighbor it is annoying. Flip side is our kids played with other kids so it was fun. It is also close to a military base so you can hear some jet noise which was not too bad for us as the kids got excited hearing it. They do make a spectacular view if you can catch them on a hike.
Overall, this is really convenient place to camp and definitely making it into my list.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jeanjaures
College Park, MD7 contributions
Jul 2022
We did a few hikes in the park and visited the tide pools. A naturalist named Aaron showed us a number of cool things in the tide pools that we might not have noticed otherwise. The weather was very pleasant and the park is beautiful.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lauralee K
3 contributions
How long I’d waiting time for mkilteo ferry? What is best driving route from Renton?L
Does TMobile 5G get cell reception here? My husband is on standby for work and we need to make sure he doesn't miss any calls.
NorthStar40429667112
Sultan, WA
Is there Wi-Fi? I know its camping and should be off phones but I really want my son to come and the timing is bad with school starting the 1st, if there was Wi-Fi he could bring his crome book and still camp and school
Navigator181294
15 contributions
Unfortunietly i do not know
I made reservations for a site that has 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical service. Does that work for standard appliances (like would I be able to plug in an inflator to blow up an air mattress) ? Thanks so much in advance! I’m rent camping but am wondering if the electrical is meant only for RVs
josh
University Place, WA
20amp should be your standard household plug in.
Jet49777994736
1 contribution
Are there electrical outlets in the cabins in the deception pass campground? Thanks
Melissa For
Arlington, WA15 contributions
I don't know. I've seen them from the outside and they are nice looking and very simple. I can ask the rangers when I go there this weekend if you are planning to come from far away!
Eddie W
Seattle, WA14 contributions
Is there cell service at the Forest Loop area?
Melissa For
Arlington, WA15 contributions
Regarding cell phone it depends on your providers and your phone. Some of the electronic equipment used at the Navy base when being used is likely impacting some of the fluctuations that take place. I've used three carriers: ATT, T-Mobile and Walmart. The best for reception has been ATT from my experience. Cell reception usually 'goes out' at certain places at the park. One is at the intersection where you turn into the park entrance and as you head a little east for a couple blocks towards Cornet Bay. 95% chance you'll lose reception at the bridge. RARELY I've been able to cross the bridge within the call dropping. Sometimes calls drop just at the south portion as you arrive at the bridge. Other times it is at the middle of the bridge. The third place where it goes out is just past the bridge to the north for about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. Rosario sometimes has reception, sometimes not. West Beach is generally good for most of the time...Bowman is variable. Sometimes, and thinking this must be Navy radar calls drop and zero reception starts about 10 minutes south of the bridge on HiWay 20. Another bad area is at Twin Bridges as you pass Swinnomish Casino. Also, if you go Best Road from HiWay 20 to I-5...with T-Mobile that is TERRIBLE, with ATT it wasn't as bad. When you live here you get used to calls dropping at certain places. T-Mobile is terrible also dropping calls just south of Oak Harbor a lot of the way to Coupeville as many times dropping calls all the way down to the ferry. This has been my experience!
Is there wifi there?
Mary T
Everett, WA8 contributions
We used the "HotSpot" on our phone. The signal was very good!
which campsite did you book at and recommend?
Dale K
Oak Harbor, WA21 contributions
I have used the parks amenities; fished, hiked, bicycled, canoed,and picnicked. I live nearby and have not camped in the park (my backyard is wooded). I think I'd prefer Bayview at Bowman Bay with nearby water access and great hiking trails.
Expedition438151
Maple Ridge, Canada1 contribution
Hi there! Thanks for the review. Can you please comment if you had to take a boat to get to your cabin? As well, did you have a view from your cabin?
TIA :D
Wanderer0213
Craig, MT625 contributions
Wonderful views! No. Oat necessary, tight off highway 20. Enjoy.
Pam A
Jamestown, ND
We are wanting to go crabbing. Is there a place one could rent a small motor for a few days?
Ron H
45 contributions
There is a state park that is right before you get to the bridge that has kayaks for rent in the summer months. The water that passes under the bridge can have. 5-7 knot current when the tide changes and is not for the novice regardless if your watercraft is power, wind, or human purpulsion
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editDeception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Deception Pass State Park
- We recommend booking Deception Pass State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Deception Pass State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Deception Pass State Park:
- Whidbey Island and Deception Pass - Luxury Small Group Day Tour with Lunch (From $289.00)
- Whidbey Island Deception Pass Private SUV Tour (From $307.60)
- Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park (From $54.94)
- Explore Deception Pass, Skagit Valley and La Conner from Seattle in small group (From $185.00)
- PRIVATE day Trip to Deception Pass, Skagit Valley and La Conner in SUV (From $285.00)
- Hotels near Deception Pass State Park:
- (9.35 mi) Nantucket Inn
- (9.95 mi) Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (3.59 mi) Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center
- (7.37 mi) The Wild Iris Inn
- (7.43 mi) The Heron Inn & Day Spa
- Restaurants near Deception Pass State Park:
- (4.97 mi) Frasers Gourmet Hideaway
- (6.93 mi) Calico Cupboard Old Town Cafe
- (4.92 mi) Seabolts Smokehouse
- (9.91 mi) The Oystercatcher
- (6.97 mi) La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib
- Attractions near Deception Pass State Park:
- (2.93 mi) AdventureTerra
- (4.23 mi) Deception Pass Tours
- (9.32 mi) Highliner Charters
- (9.29 mi) R&R Charters
- (9.35 mi) Anacortes Kayak Tours