Wrapped in epic landscapes, Deception Pass State Park is a must-see. Whidbey Island, Anacortes, and the San Juan Islands surround this Northwestern gem! If you’ve been to the Seattle area before, this is your opportunity to dig a little deeper and experience yet another incredible destination in Western Washington.
In the summer, millions of visitors explore this stunning collection of jagged cliffs, ripping currents, and secret coastlines–making Deception Pass Washington’s most-visited State Park. With huge views of the the San Juan Islands, the Salish Sea, the Olympic Mountains, and Vancouver Island, it’s no wonder why this hidden highlight is so well-loved! While it’s a hot spot in the summer, we also love it in the winter when migrating birds return and tourists head home. Few places are more perfectly Northwestern!
We’ll bring coffee and tea to ward off those crisp Salish Sea mornings and a beautiful local lunch to maximize our time in the park and around Whidbey Island.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
8:00a Depart Seattle after Downtown Pickups
Generally, our last pickup will be at the Sheraton Grand Hotel at 8:00am. For other downtown hotel locations, we’ll meet you there prior to this time and reach out to you the day before your trip to confirm the exact timing. Let our team know where you are staying, and we’ll do everything we can to make your pickup as easy as possible.
9:00a Birdwatch in the Skagit Valley
Begin the day with visit to the Skagit Valley, a renowned winter birding destination for being home to the largest population of migratory snow geese and trumpeter swans that gather here from December to February in the tens of thousands.
Bring your binoculars and spend the morning searching for waterfowl, shore birds, eagles, raptors and more who all congregate to take advantage of the mild winters of the Pacific Northwest.
11:00a Explore Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park reveals a hidden pocket of rugged wilderness and unbelievable history replete with smuggling and shipwrecks. We’ll take our time beachcombing the rocky shore and exploring the forested trails that wind around with views of the Salish Sea, all the while keeping our eyes peeled for marine wildlife like birds, seals, or otters.
1:00p Lunch at Deception Pass State Park
Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch in a covered picnic area at Deception Pass State Park. After lunch, if you’re up for it, challenge yourself to walk across the 180-foot-high bridge that spans the width of Deception Pass for an exhilarating experience and unbeatable views.
2:30p Whidbey Island History
Spend the afternoon exploring the diverse history of Whidbey Island, starting with a visit to a historic 120+ year old military fort complete with bunkers and batteries and the idyllic 127′ Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
Whidbey Island’s agricultural region is also not to be missed. Learn about the cultural importance of Greenbank Farms (once the largest producer of loganberries in the state) to the community. Indulge in a tasting of locally made loganberry wine*, pick up a homemade pie from Whidbey Pies*, or peruse the collection of art from local makers found hanging among the red barn’s walls. There is something for everyone at this destination.
*Food and beverage purchases not included in the price of the tour.
5:30p Ferry across the Puget Sound Waters
Finish off a full and adventurous day with a peaceful ferry ride across the Puget Sound from Whidbey Island back to the mainland. In the winter months, this is timed well as you can enjoy watching the sun set behind the Olympic Mountain Range in the distance as you cruise across the water. We’ll have a short drive before we reach the city to end the day.
6:30p Downtown Seattle Hotel Drop Offs
Upon returning to Seattle, we’ll drop travelers off where we found them (or another preferred spot nearby).
Photos from Your Destination
