Deception Pass State Park — Attraction in Anacortes

This spectacular park is a moderate drive from Seattle and though small in size is huge in dramatic views. The park spans the actual pass that is spanned by a spectacular bridge. We visited the northern part of the park first as it was the first bit you get to when coming from Interstate 5. We drove down to the parking lot at the CCC interpretive center. The area was apparently a camp for CCC workers who constructed the buildings and roads of the park in the Great Depression. The parking lot is a short walk to the beach of Bowman Bay. There are attractive campsites and picnic benches scattered throughout the area with no crowding of sites. The water is crystal clear and quite shallow and very appealing for kids. There were kayaks stacked on the shore seemingly for rental but I could not see how that might happen. There is a trail going south along the beach to lighthouse point. The trail gets a bit steep at parts and you will want to hold on to small children as it is a sharp drop in some areas. The path gets you to Lottie Bay where you rejoin the beach. At low tide you can walk along the beach but that was not the case when we visited. Heading over to Lighthouse Point one gets great views of the bridge. We did not go all the way to the Lighthouse Point as the trail got a bit challenging and slippery. However we felt we got the sense of the place. Driving over the bridge to the south part of the park you can pull in to a parking lot and then walk back across the bridge for more views. We drove down toward Cranberry Lake and to the end of the road. There we parked and had a very short walk to the beach almost underneath the bridge. The south side of the park is more focused on camping and boating than the north side and as we were only there on a day trip we did not spend too much time there so take my comments about the south side with a grain of salt. Bottom line, this is a wonderful park close to Seattle with splendid views and easy hikes. Camping looks very good with bathrooms that are clean. Kids will enjoy the variety of things to do and the CCC museum, though small, adds to the context of the place. As it is close to the city it gets crowded on the weekends. Weekdays in summer are...

Let me share important info I wish I would have know first about camping here! Most of the camping with hook ups is on a hill side, especially on the forest loop, the flattest spots are the ones on the upper end in the 50s. The roads are mostly only way, so trailer and rvs be cautious, the roads are narrow and tight with trees everywhere. There is NO sewer hook up so if you plan to stay more than 3 nights, I recommend staying close to a restroom. Even with your trailer, by the 4th night, 2 adults & 2 small kids, we we were practically full. Bathrooms in the campground were super clean and had 2 shower stalls. Pro tip for mom's with small children, bring a small tub for the kids to bathe in. I bought mine at an Asian market (see photos for reference) The naval base is nearby, and you can hear and see the fighter jets all day, so just be aware it's not a quiet park. West Beach has plenty of parking, bathrooms, and swimming lagoon. North Beach was my favorite. You have to walk, a little from the parking lot to get to the beach. Beautiful sandy beach with no sea weed, view of the bridge. You can walk all long the shore to the tip. Cranberry lake is a great little place to fish or kayak/ paddle board in. Near the entrance to the park, there is a dock to fish off of. Caught blue gill and small mouth out of here with a worm on a bobber. The lake store had great souvenirs and snacks, opened at 11am. The coffee camper opened at 8am. Stops I recommend during your visit; stop by the Squatchin' store just outside the park, Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, Jumbo Burrito, and...

Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, WA, is a breathtaking destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Spanning a strait and several islands, the park provides stunning views of Skagit Bay and the Salish Sea, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of the standout features of Deception Pass State Park is its diverse range of recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone. The park’s scenic trails wind through lush forests and along deep-blue lakes, offering a peaceful escape into nature. The tide pools at Rosario Head are a particular highlight, teeming with colorful marine life and perfect for exploration. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge is another major attraction, providing panoramic views that are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. The bridge is often busy with tourists taking photos, so plan your visit accordingly1. Camping at Deception Pass is a fantastic experience, with well-maintained sites at Bowman Bay and Quarry Pond. The facilities are clean and convenient, and the option to enjoy a cozy bonfire at night adds to the charm. Overall, Deception Pass State Park is a gem in Washington State. Its combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and well-maintained facilities make it a top choice for a memorable outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this park is sure to leave a...