Deception Pass State Park

Spanning Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Puget Sound, the Deception Pass Bridge is an iconic landmark of the region and civic achievement dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A pair of bridges known collectively as Deception Pass Bridge cross Deception Pass. On both sides of this scenic bridge, Deception Pass State Park easily ranks high as one of the best state parks in Washington and also one of the best places to visit in Washington..

The park's recreational facilities include campgrounds, hiking trails, beaches, and tidepools. Several miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail are within the park, most notably including the section that crosses Deception Pass on the Highway 20 bridge. In addition, the Cornet Bay Retreat Center provides cabins and dining and recreation facilities. Cornet Bay offers boat launches and fishing opportunities, while Bowman Bay has an interpretive center that explains the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps throughout Washington state. Activities like tide pooling, hiking, and boating are some of the most popular things to do at the park. Several campsites spread across three campgrounds within the park, facilitating multiple days of adventure. For those interested in passing under the bridge with a boat, knowing the tides is the key to success.

Official site: parks.state.wa.us

Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Washington

Phone: +1 360-675-3767

Entrance fee: $10/day

Google rating: 4.8/5.0