Deception Pass Bridge — Attraction in Anacortes

Visiting the Deception Pass Bridge in Anacortes, Washington, on March 8, 2025, was an unforgettable experience that combined breathtaking views, thrilling heights, and incredible wildlife sightings. As someone with a fear of heights, I approached this iconic bridge with trepidation, but its beauty and the surrounding natural spectacle made it worth every nerve-wracking step.

I arrived at 5:00 AM, just in time to catch the sunrise, which cast a magical glow through the morning fog. Even on a gloomy day, the scene was stunning—the mist swirling around the bridge, the water below shimmering faintly, and the rugged cliffs framing the landscape.

The bridge itself is strikingly high, and walking even halfway across took all my courage. The vertigo-inducing views of the churning waters of Deception Pass below were both terrifying and exhilarating.

What truly set this visit apart was the wildlife. Standing on the bridge, I spotted bald eagles soaring directly beneath my feet—an awe-inspiring sight that felt almost surreal.

Down in the water, a mother seal and her two playful pups were rolling and splashing, completely unfazed by a group of seagulls (or perhaps other white birds) swooping down in an attempt to harass them. The eagles, too, seemed to join the fray, diving toward the seals in a display of raw nature. It was like watching a live nature documentary unfold right in front of me.

Beyond the bridge itself, I explored the nearby trails, which offered a different perspective from below the structure. The trails were serene, winding through lush greenery, and provided fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the bridge’s towering arches as a backdrop.

Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or just someone seeking a memorable adventure, this spot delivers.

The Deception Pass Bridge is more than just a structure—it’s a gateway to a vibrant ecosystem and a testament to the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Despite my fear of heights, I’d recommend this experience to anyone visiting Anacortes.

Just bring your camera, a sense of wonder, and maybe a little extra courage if heights aren’t your thing!

Rating: 5/5...

If you ever get the chance to check this place out do not hesitate! I'd say to date it's one of the most breath taking scenes/places I've ever seen. You can walk down the side of the cliffs a bit but they don't have and railings, so it's at your own risk. Because of this I wouldn't recommend small children that aren't attached to you somehow go. My 8 year old didn't mind it but we were still nervous. You can of course also walk across the bridge itself, which is AMAZING. They do have a parking area with restrooms on the South end of the bridge and you do need a discover pass to use it. There is a decent amount of parking here. If it's full or you don't have a pass, lots of people just parked along the road no problem .We ended up going right after phase 2 was put into effect so of course everyone was hitting the parks that weekend and it was a mad house. Even with that we managed to find a parking spot in the actual lot. If you do park on the side of the road, on the South east side, there isn't really an area to walk that's great. It backs up to a small Cliff face so your basically just walking on the very edge of traffic. Maybe just cross the street. It seems like the west side had more room to walk but still no sidewalks or anything like that.The restrooms aren't anything to terrible or nice just basic park type but they do have a decent amount of them. I don't think you can actually get to beach from the top but you'll get a great view of it. We saw all kinds of wildlife including a bald eagle and several baby seals but it's the view into the sound is the star for sure! Chance...

Deception Pass Bridge, completed in 1935, connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands with two graceful steel spans crossing Canoe and Pass Islands. Rising nearly 200 feet above the swirling green waters, the bridge is one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built with federal relief funds during the Great Depression, it was constructed rapidly and under hazardous conditions—at least one worker reportedly fell during construction and was never recovered.

Driving across the bridge is both scenic and slightly unnerving. The lanes are narrow, the railings low, and crosswinds frequent. Drivers often slow to admire the panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains. Parking areas on either side of the bridge offer access to sidewalks and nearby trailheads. On busy days, foot traffic can crowd the bridge’s walkway, which is separated from traffic by only a curb.

Pass Island, nestled between the two spans, is accessible via trail and staircase. Short paths lead to dramatic viewpoints directly beneath the bridge’s steel understructure, where you can watch the tide rip through the channel. Despite its beauty, the bridge has a tragic history of suicides and accidents. Crisis phones are posted along the span, and state officials have debated further safety measures...