Where else can you find pristine islands, beaches and coves along with old-growth forests? Deception Pass is the most visited state park in Washington for this very reason. One of the best ways to explore and see all the natural beauty is on the park’s incredible hiking trails. As a Washingtonian, I love sharing my top 5 Deception Pass hiking trails.
Deception Pass State Park is a marine and camping park, with extensive saltwater and freshwater shorelines for exploration. It’s located on 2 islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey, separated by the strait called Deception Pass. Additionally, it connects Skagit Bay of Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Deception Pass and Canoe Pass bridges connecting the islands.
Historical Fact: Deception Pass was named by George Vancouver in 1792, because he was initially deceived, thinking Whidbey Island was a peninsula.
The Discover Pass is required for vehicular entrance to this park (annual pass costs $30).
Top 5 Deception Pass Hiking Trails
1) Lighthouse Point via Bowman Bay/Rosario Beach Trail
This moderate 2.4-mile loop trail is arguably the most scenic trail at the park. This is my absolute favorite trail at the park hands down. On Fidalgo Island the trailhead begins near Rosario Beach. However, spoiler alert, there is no lighthouse on the route. Be sure to check the tide charts and plan your visit for low tide at Rosario Beach, known for its incredible tide pooling and marine life.
Then, you follow the trail towards Bowman Bay, walking along the bluff and passing through a campground. The views are awesome winding through beautiful, coastal madrona trees, looking out into the blue-green waters of Bowman Bay. As you continue, you can even access the Bowman Bay Beach for a stroll, before regaining elevation.
There is even a historical stop on the way at a free, walk-in Interpretive Center for Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), created by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. It showcases pictures and a video of the “Tree Army” comprising 3 million men employed to build many of our state and national parks, such as, Deception Pass State Park. Onward, you hike through old-growth forests and gain panoramic views of the coves. Don’t miss the incredible viewpoint of the Deception Pass Bridge as shown in my first photo. Continue on though old growth forests, interspersed with the coastal Pacific madrones.
2) Deception Pass Bridge & North Beach Trail
This 1 mile out and back trail goes along North Beach approaching the bridge reached by stairs. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, standing at 180 feet (55m) high. The bridge has a 3-foot-wide (.91 m) sidewalk on each side for stunning views of the strait below. Both mornings I witnessed mysterious morning fog and even saw rare optical phenomena of fogbow and glory around my shadow, while standing on the bridge.
Fun Fact: A Solar glory is a rainbow around a shadow, with the sun behind shining through fog, as show in my photo. Cool, huh!
3) North Beach to Goose Rock (Goose Rock Summit)
This is a 4.4-mile moderately trafficked loop trail, offering a nice beach walk with a view of Deception Pass Bridge. After the bridge the trail goes around the perimeter of the Goose Rock, among a pristine forest. The summit of Goose Rock Summit Trail is an extra 1.1 mile gaining 308 feet, for panoramic views.
4) Hoypus Point Trail
This 5.1-mile moderately trafficked loop trail is among the largest sanctuaries of old-growth forests in Washington. From the closure of the Cornet Bay Marina, take the road for .7 miles. Here, there are wonderful views of the Deception Pass and bridge, with a few access points to beaches. Look for the sign for East Hoypus trail and follow around the tip of Hoypus point and along the perimeter.
Then, start climbing among the trees and away from the water. Now you immerse yourself among the old growth cedars and Douglas Firs. Head down Fern Gully for a plethora of sword ferns and then later turn right on the Little Alder Trail. Finally, take the Fireside Trail and turn on West Hoypus Point trail back to Coronet Bay back to parking lot.
5) Sand Dune Interpretive Trail via Cranberry Lake Trail
This 2.8-mile out and back trail offers a scenic route along Cranberry Lake. The lake used to be a saltwater inlet, however, over time sand dunes built up a divide between the lake and West Beach. When you reach the sand dunes, there is an interpretive trail with many placards explaining the evolution and geology of this important ecosystem. Interestingly, Cranberry Lake will then be on your east side and Puget Sound on your west side. Also, you can catch the beach of the Puget Sound as well taking it back to North Beach and the bridge.
Overall, 5 Top Deception Pass Hiking Trails
Deception Pass is one of the most popular state parks in Washington state because there is so much to do by land and sea. Plus, it’s an amazing place to camp. Getting out and exploring by the hiking trails is one of the best ways to truly experience the full essence of this spectacular place for natural beauty and rejuvenation. The trails take you up close to connect with the ocean, beaches, coves and old growth forests for an abundant dose of biodiversity and Mother Nature.
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