Washington State Parks

Park overview:

Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife.



Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year round for camping and day use. The campground is partially open during the winter. Click the winter schedule for more information.

Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Please note: U.S. Navy jets from nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island may fly over the campground at any time for several hours. Navy personnel conduct training missions which are not announced ahead of time. Depending on the direction of the wind, their flight pattern may put them above the park, creating noisy conditions for campers. State Parks cannot be responsible for this significant intrusion into your camping experience.

Current alerts:

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

Campsite Information:

The park has 167 tent sites, 143 utility spaces, five hiker/biker sites, two dump stations, 20 restrooms (four ADA) and ten showers (four ADA).

Camping is at three locations in the park; 18 tent sites and two utility sites are at Bowman Bay, seven tent sites and 54 utility sites at Quarry Pond and 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites are at Cranberry Lake. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability).

Year-round reservations are available by visiting online or calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Group Accommodations:

The group camp accommodates up to 50 people. It has fire circle, small picnic shelter, flush toilets and a large lawn area for tent pads. It is at the east end of Cranberry Lake, near the park entrance as a temporary location until a new group camp is built.

Fees vary with size of the group. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Overnight Accommodations

The Ben Ure Cabin at Deception Pass is on Ben Ure Island near Cornet Bay, with views of Puget Sound and Mount Baker. Access is only by beachable human-powered watercraft such as a kayak or rowboat. The modern cabin is 12-by-24 feet in size and features a large deck overlooking the water, as well as a picnic table, fully furnished electric kitchen, queen size futon, electric heat, lights, bathroom and outdoor shower. Visitors must take along their own drinking water to the site. For more information visit the cabins/yurts page To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

2013 camping fees:

Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).

May 15 – Sept. 15 (peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $23 non-premium site, $26 premium site
Partial-utility campsite*: $30 non-premium site, $35 premium site
Full-utility campsite*: $32 non-premium site, $37 premium site
*Please note: Camping fees during the 2013 peak season are $28 for partial-utility sites and $29 for full-utility sites at Beacon Rock, Lewis & Clark and Schafer state parks. These parks are first come, first served.

Jan. 1 – May 14 and Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 (off-peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $22 for non-premium and premium sites
Partial-utility campsite: $28 for non-premium and premium sites
Full-utility campsite: $29 for non-premium and premium sites

Maximum eight people per campsite.

Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.

Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.

More about park hours
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park from April 1 through Sept. 30; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.

Park Features

Old-growth forests, sand dunes, 174 varieties of bird and spectacular views of shoreline, mountains, islands and sunsets mark this park a favorite for visitors to the Northwest.

History

The human history of the park dates back thousands of years, when the first people settled in the areas now known as Cornet Bay, Bowman Bay and Rosario. Eventually, the land was settled by the Samish and the Swinomish. They lived on the land until the early 1900s.

During his Northwest coastal explorations, Captain George Vancouver became the first European to identify the area near Whidbey Island as a passage, which he named "Deception Pass." A 1923 act of Congress designated the property for public recreation purposes. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built roads, trails, buildings and bridges to develop the park.

The name "Deception Pass" derived from Captain Vancouver's realization that what he had mistaken for a peninsula was actually an island. He named that island "Whidbey" in honor of his assistant, Joseph Whidbey, who was at his side when Vancouver realized the mistake. The captain named the inlet at which he was anchored "Deception Pass" to commemorate the error.

Interpretive opportunities

A historical interpretive center is located in the park at Bowman Bay. The interpretive center building was originally constructed as a bathhouse, and was renovated by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) alumni volunteers in 1987 to commemorate the legacy of the CCC in Washington State Parks. The center is open year-round for group tours (by appointment only) and to individuals, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. mid-May through Labor Day. To schedule a group tour, call (360) 675-3767.

An observation deck overlooks the Cranberry Lake wetlands on the west-beach sand-dunes interpretive trail. Signage explains local vegetation and ecosystems.

The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole is located on Rosario Beach in the north section of the park. It depicts a story of the Samish Indian Nation.

The park contains one monument, located at the south bridge parking lot. It describes the discovery and naming of Deception Pass and Whidbey Island.

Lectures and slide shows occur frequently on weekend evenings in the park's outdoor amphitheater. A schedule of planned events is posted at the ranger contact station.

Services/Supplies

Available in the park	Available in the area
• Boat rentals • Camping • Park store • Pay phone • Fire wood	• Auto repair • Airport • Boat rental • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Horse rental • Hospital • Marine supplies • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood • Swimming

Seasonal boat rentals are available at Cranberry Lake during the summer.

Kayak rentals are available seasonally at Bowman Bay by a concession.

There is also a laundromat nearby, one block outside the main entrance. Firewood is by purchase only.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
• 1.2 mi. ADA Hiking Trails • 38 mi. Hiking Trails • 3 mi. Bike Trails • 6 mi. Horse Trails	• Boating (freshwater) • 2 boat ramps (freshwater) • 450 feet of dock (freshwater) • Fishing (freshwater) • Swimming (freshwater) • White-water Kayaking • Boating (saltwater) • 5 boat ramps (saltwater) • 710 feet of dock (saltwater) • 1980 feet of moorage (saltwater) • Diving • Fishing (saltwater) • Clamming • Crabbing	• 2 Amphitheaters • Beach Exploration • Bird Watching • 6 Fire Circles • 1 Horseshoe pit • Interpretive Activities • Mountain Biking • Museum • Sailboarding • Wildlife Viewing
A playground is available in the park. To prevent serious accidents, hikers are encouraged to stay on main trails and avoid straying to the sides. Mountain biking is prohibited except in marked areas. Fires and swimming are permitted in designated areas only. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Events

Events
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Ongoing 9 - 11 a.m.	Kukutali Tours: Take a free tour along the Kukutali Preserve. Two-hour tours are available every Saturday morning. Reservations are required. Space is limited to 12 participants at a time. For more information or to make a reservation, call the caretaker at (360) 661-0682.	Deception Pass, Kukutali Preserve
Ongoing Most low tides Memorial Day to Labor Day	Rosario Beach Naturalist Programs: Discover sea life in the tidepools of Rosario Beach at Deception Pass State Park. Volunteer beach naturalists will be available during low tides to educate visitors on the life found in tidepools. Programs will be presented as volunteers are available. Group visits and field trips may be scheduled in advance. Call (360) 675-3767 or email Sam.Wotipka@parks.wa.gov to schedule a program. Presented in partnership with the Washington State University Island County Extension.	Deception Pass, Rosario Beach (360) 675-3767
May 4	The Human Race: Morgan Sabine's senior project may be your next outdoor adventure. Sign up the Human Race half-marathon through Deception Pass State Park. Options for 10K and 5K runners also are available. Registration and fee required for participation. For more information or to register, visit http://thehumanrace2013.blogspot.com.	Deception Pass (360) 675-3767
June 1 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.	Painting in the Parks – Deception Pass: Celebrate the centennial of Washington State Parks by painting in the parks. Take a journey through a state park and find artistic inspiration. Then spend the day creating a work in Washington’s great outdoors. Artists may check-in with an event facilitator when they arrive. A full schedule of Painting in the Parks days is available at www.pleinairwashington.com. Presented by the Plein Air Washington Artists. Another Painting in the Parks event is set for nearby Bay View State Park on June 2. Please note: June 1 is a State Parks free day. The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to Washington state parks during free days.	Deception Pass (360) 675-3767
June 1 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.	National Trails Day Clean-up - Kukutali Preserve: Join the Skagit-Whatcom-Island Trail Maintaining Organization (SWITMO) in celebrating National Trails Day at Kukutali Preserve on Kikit Island. Restore an old trail on the north side of Kikit Island, on land jointly managed by State Parks and the Swinomish Tribe. RSVP and special carpool arrangmenets are required. No parking is available at the preserve. To RSVP, contact (360) 424-1475 or jdmelcher@comcast.net. Presented by SWITMO. National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. RSVP not required. For more information, visit www.americanhiking.org/events. Please note: June 1 is a State Parks free day in honor of National Trails Day. A Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to state parks on free days.	Deception Pass, Kukutali Preserve (360) 675-3767
June 8	Salish Sea Native American Heritage Day: The eight annual Salish Sea Native American Culture Celebration with the Samish and Swinomish tribes returns to Deception Pass State Park. Take a canoe ride, listen to Native American storytellers, watch traditional music performances and see weaving, cedar work and woodcarving demonstrations from Coast Salish artists. A salmon and frybread lunch is available for purchase. Proceeds from food sales support the Samish and Swinomish canoe families' participation in the annual intertraial canoe journey. A Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks event. Please note: June 8 is a State Parks free day. The Discover Pass is not required to access Washington state parks on free days. - Detailed News Release -	Deception Pass, Bowman Bay picnic area (360) 675-3767
June 22	Deception Pass Challenge: Bike, swim and run through Deception Pass State Park during the second annual triathlon fitness challenge. The race course will transverse the west beach, Hoypus Point and Goose Rock. Sponsored by the Deception Pass Park Foundation. For more information, visit www.deceptionpassfoundation.org.	Deception Pass
Saturdays July 17, 20, 27 Aug. 3 7 p.m.	American Roots Concert Series: Discover the roots of American music during the annual concert series at Deception Pass State Park. Concerts are every Saturday, beginning July 17 and running through Aug. 3 in the West Beach amphitheater. More information will be available closer to the event. A Folk & Traditional Arts in the Parks Program event.	Deception Pass, West Beach amphitheater (360) 675-3767
Aug. 3 7 p.m.	American Roots Concert Series – Final Concert: Discover the roots of American music during the annual concert series at Deception Pass State Park. Aug. 3 is the final concert in the series. More information will be available closer to the event. A Folk & Traditional Arts in the Parks Program event.	Deception Pass, West Beach amphitheater (360) 675-3767
Aug. 3 All day	Centennial 2013 Signature Event - Deception Pass: Officially commemorate the State Parks Centennial 2013 with family fun at Riverside State Park in Spokane. The all day festival is the second of two signature celebrations marking the 100 years of State Parks and the beginning of a second century of memories. Event activities include live music performances, games for kids, local displays, demonstrations, a Volksmarch hike, a sailing regatta, an old-fashioned quilting bee, history display and more. Guest speakers will be talking about the value of the state park system in today’s world at 1 p.m. at the east end of Cranberry Lake, near the main park entrance. Food is available for purchase during the event. Presented in partnership with the Deception Pass Park Foundation	Deception Pass (360) 675-3767
Dec. 14	Deception Pass 50K/25K: See dramatic standing waves and whirlpools in Deception Pass, mountain views, sea bluffs and dense old-growth while racing through Deception Pass State Park. The annual 25K and 50K trail run by Rainshadow Running snakes through single track trails on both the north and south sides of the Deception Pass Bridge. Registration and fee required for participation. For more information, visit www.rainshadow-running.blogspot.com.	Deception Pass (360) 675-3767

Find other events at Washington State Parks

Boating Features

The Cornet Bay launch is open in winter.

The park provides five saltwater and two freshwater boat ramps, plus 710 feet of saltwater dock and 450 feet of freshwater dock. All motors are prohibited on Pass Lake, and only electric motors are allowed on Cranberry Lake.

A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a trailer dumping permit for $5 may be purchased at the park.

Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices,online, and at parks when staff is available.

The park also offers 1,980 feet of saltwater moorage. A boat pumpout facility is located at Cornet Bay.
Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available. For more information, call (360) 902-8844.

Picnic and Day-use Facilities

The park provides four kitchen shelters with electricity and six without, all of which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Fifty sheltered and 261 unsheltered picnic tables are also provided. Picnic tables are first come, first served, but kitchen shelters are reservable by visiting online or calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Foxes • Muskrats • Otters • Rabbits • Raccoons • Skunks • Squirrels	• Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Eagles • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Pheasants • Quail • Turkeys • Woodpeckers • Wrens	• Clams • Crabs • Oysters • Scallops • Sea Birds • Sea Cucumbers • Seals • Shellfish • Shrimp • Squid • Starfish • Whales • Bass • Bluegill • Bullhead • Catfish • Cod • Crappie • Perch • Red Snapper • Salmon • Shark • Steelhead • Trout

Environmental Features

Physical Features		Plant Life
		• Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Spruce • Yew • Alder • Apple • Cherry • Maple • Daisy • Lupines • Paintbrush • Rhododendron • Rose • Berries • Eel Grass • Ferns • Moss or Lichens • Seaweed • Thistle