Deception Pass State Park

Easy and moderate day hikes for people of all ages along beaches and to the the highest point on Whidbey Island in the southern half of Deception Pass State Park.

getting there

From Seattle, follow I-5 N to WA-20 W/Avon Cutoff in Burlington. Take exit 230 from I-5 N. Follow WA-20 for about 15 miles and follow signs for Deception Pass State Park.

on the trail

Goose Rock

Begin on the West Point of Rosario Straight following the beach trail up and under Deception Pass Bridge to Goose Rock and down to Cornet Bay.  Return using several well maintained and popular trails.

north beach

Hike from east to west or west to east and back along the North Beach Trail

west beach

Hike out and back along West Beach and consider taking the Dunes Interpretive Loop Trail along Rosario Strait and Cranberry Lake, respectively.

amenities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Sandy Beaches
  • Interpretive Center
  • Fishing Dock
  • Campground

notes

  • Some of  the roads in the park are closed for winter which opens up a bunch of loop options that would be a little more dangerous otherwise (i.e. a risk of cars). See the Land Manager for closures.
  • For day hikes in the north part of Deception Pass State Park, use the Bowman Bay route/place.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling & Permits

  • If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to the recommended party size. The maximum party size is for use by course field trips only, and includes both students and instructors. Group size maximums do not reflect how course field trips are run (in smaller groups of students and instructors), but allow for course leaders to register the course in our system.
  • The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 
  • If you are scheduling a course field trip, please contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any added permitting regulations.
  • Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
  • Length: 4.3 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 484 ft
  • 484 ft
Map
Deception Pass State Park 41020 SR 20, Oak Harbor WA 98277
  • Green Trails Deception Pass No. 41S
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Naturalist Trip - Deception Pass State Park

Naturalist Trip
We will bird watch, botanize and learn about the geology at several locations near Deception
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, Mar 30, 2024
No Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist 0 leaders
Registration closed Mar 28
Seattle Branch

Tacoma Explorers & Pathfinders Joint Activity - Deception Pass State Park

Youth Youth activity: Tacoma Explorers
Outdoor activity for both the Tacoma Explorers and Pathfinders programs.
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Fri, Aug 16, 2024 - Sun, Aug 18, 2024
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration closes Aug 14
Tacoma Branch
RyAnn Peverley

August Hikes: 4 miles to 7 miles, 600 to 2,000 feet gain - Deception Pass State Park

Day Hiking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course
Let's hike to Goose Rock, the highest point on the island for breathtaking views of
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Mon, Aug 19, 2024
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration opens Jul 5
Foothills Branch
Shelly Dearmon

Tacoma Pathfinders & Explorers Joint Activity - Deception Pass State Park

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Outdoor activity for Tacoma Pathfinders & Explorers programs
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Fri, Aug 23, 2024 - Sun, Aug 25, 2024
No Prerequisites
4 participants
Registration closes Aug 21
Tacoma Branch
RyAnn Peverley
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Deception Pass State Park: Goose Rock
  • Goose Rock
  • Deception Pass State Park: North Beach
  • North Beach
  • Deception Pass State Park: West Beach
  • West Beach
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.