Deception Pass State Park has been given the title of one of the top must visit state parks in Washington. And for good reason. With a deep dive into the intense greens of the Pacific Northwest and incredible water views, who wouldn’t rank this as one of the top state parks?
Deception Pass is actually a strait that separates two islands. Open year round, this 3,854 acre park can get really busy and the parking lots aren’t exactly what I would consider abundant. So plan accordingly.
The most popular spot is of course the two bridges that cross over the strait known collectively as the Deception Pass Bridge.
Address
41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
From Seattle it is around an hour and a half drive north along I-5.
The cost of admission
There are pay stations located at every parking lot. The day cost per car is $10. If you plan to visit more than one park it makes more sense to get a Discover Pass for $30. It lasts for a year and gives you unlimited access to all of the state parks in Washington.
Hours
Since there is camping it is open 24 hours a day. The various centers and buildings in the park have their own hours, some are until dusk, some until 7pm, but only in the summer. Throughout the winter all the interpretive centers are closed but you can still visit the park (with less of the crowds).
Top Hikes in Deception Pass State Park
Lighthouse Point
Just before you cross the Deception Pass via the bridges there is a parking area with a wide grassy spot for picnics. It is the starting point for two hikes, Lottie Point and Lighthouse Point. Both give you views of the pass and the waters.
Lighthouse Point is a 1.5-mile loop on a well-maintained path with little elevation gain. It gives you various viewpoints before dropping you back into the lush green that you expect from the Pacific Northwest.
If you are looking for a shorter trek but want similar views, Lottie Point is a 0.3-mile loop on a lookout next to Lighthouse Point. Both hikes are easy, with great views of the pass.
North Beach
Parking in the lot just over the Deception Pass Bridge (go early and during off season to ensure you get a spot) you can take the stairs down to the North Beach trail or the Goose Neck Point Trail.
At the base of the stairs you can get great photos of the Deception Pass Bridge before starting on your 1.4-mile hike to North Beach. This is an out and back trail so plan for 1.4-miles each way.
Along the trail, and depending on the time of year, there are various picnic areas with open washrooms. From the picnic areas you get great views of the pass and can see waterbirds and seals catching their lunch for the day.
This is an easy, fairly flat trail that is well maintained. It traverses along the water with opportunities to step out on the beach for a look around or to take in the views.
Goose Neck Point
Of all the hikes in Deception Pass State Park this one has the most elevation gain and is the most exposed. I would consider this a moderate hike, but it is completely worth it for the views of the mountains.
Goose Neck Point is a 2.5-mile loop trail with various other loops within the larger loop. It was by far my favorite hike of the day just because of the views of the cascade mountains and the Olympics from the high point of the trail.
The viewpoint opens up to this large tabletop of rock with 180-degree views. You could spend hours there just taking in the mountains.
Wildlife viewing
There are lots of opportunities to see wildlife in Deception Pass State Park. From bald eagles to seals and whales. There have been sightings of bears, but it is extremely infrequent and hasn’t been reported for several years.
A must stop for lunch
The Shrimp Shack
A popular spot but a must stop is the Shrimp Shack. After a day of hiking and working up an appetite head to the Shrimp Shack for some incredibly fresh seafood and cold beer.
Keep in mind that the shrimp season is limited so you may arrive at a time when there are no shrimp but no worries because there are plenty of other tasty dishes on the menu.
Concluding Thoughts
Deception Pass State Park is beautiful and the perfect park for everyone. The hikes are easy and you can go as far along a trail as you want and still get immersed in the natural beauty of the park.
If you are looking for something challenging, this is not it. But if you are looking to spend your day wildlife viewing and stepping into nature (always healing for your mental health), this is the perfect park.
Want more things to do in the Seattle area? Check out my top 7 unique things to do in Seattle.
