Deception Pass is Washington's most-visited state park for a reason. Mysterious coves, rugged cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets, and a stomach-dropping high bridge make this park a go-to for locals and international travelers alike.

Families can fish and swim in Cranberry Lake. Beach explorers look for shells along miles of Puget Sound beachfront. Hikers can trek through forests and out along bluffs. And birdwatchers fill their field guides with notes. You may see a whale or a family of seals as you gaze on the wild waters that once challenged early explorers.

Your inner explorer will delight in learning Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history at Bowman Bay. The CCC was Franklin D. Roosevelt's Depression-era "Tree Army;" it employed nearly 3 million men and built many of America's state and national parks. An extended stay at Deception Pass will have you peering into tide pools at Rosario Beach, boating at Cornet Bay, strolling on North and West beaches and gaping up at Hoypus Forest, one of Washington's largest remaining old-growth stands.

You, your family and your out-of-town guests will be awestruck by the area's beauty and history, and you'll soon be planning your return.

Deception Pass State Park

Joseph Whidbey State Park is a stunner. Its west-facing views from Whidbey Island include Victoria, B.C., Lopez Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. When the weather is clear, the evening sky lights up with color. Hearty visitors come for the prime storm watching, as dark clouds roll in and giant waves crash on the shore.

A grand beach, a playing field and an excellent trail system through wetlands, forests and fields make this day-use park a destination on any visit to Whidbey Island. Visitors often stop for a picnic, a sunset view, or an excuse to kick back and roam the beach with their kids. The park closes at dusk, but camping is available at nearby Fort Ebey State Park, a historic part of the U.S. coastal defense system until World War II, with batteries and gun emplacements to explore.

State Parks Tagged With: Oak Harbor