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.

Planning project at Deception Pass State Park

Marine Park: No

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

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

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 1925 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.

Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a reservable rental facility for groups of up to 186 people. The ELC includes lodge, large commercial kitchen, dining room, laundry, and sleeping cabins. The kitchen furnishes cooking utensils and dishes. An uncovered amphitheater, three classrooms, one small kitchen shelter, a sport court and two restrooms/ showers are also included in the facility. A small amount of tent camping is possible with permission of the ELC office. Prices vary depending on size of the group. For information or reservations, call the ELC office at (360) 902-8600.

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. It's open year-round for group tours (by appointment only) and to individuals from mid-May through Labor Day. Contact the park at (360) 675-2417 for the center's hours.

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.