Deception Pass in Washington

Trip Overview

Deception Pass is a beautiful specticle of nature to explore, however be VERY aware of the tide tables. When the flood or ebb tides comes, get out of the pass ASAP! The flood tides during a full moon can exceed 10 knots. This can make even using a power boat challanging to get through the pass. Kayakers are guaranteed to get swamped and/or sucked into a 10 foot wide whirlpool. This area is best paddled at the slack tide! Also, never attempt to paddle here alone. People have died here when caught in a flood tide then soon thereafter thrown violently through the pass. On a fun note, there are many seals, dolphins an and whales that frequent the Western side of Deception Pass. The seals like to play "hide and seek" with most kayakers! See the Website link below for more about Deception Pass.

Accommodations:

Camping sites, some lodge or private condo rentals.

Directions:

From Seattle: I-5 North to Highway 20 East. Turn left on Highway 20 East towards Anacortes. Turn left where Highway 20 veers off to the left. Deception Pass State Park is about 8 miles up the road. From Oak Harbor, WA: Drive Highway 20 West. You run right into it just up the road.

Contact:

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Deception%20Pass&pageno=1

Resources:

For more information on Deception Pass, please go to this Webpage: http://www.nwboating.com/dest/208

Read: Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands