Deception Pass is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A pair of bridges known collectively as Deception Pass Bridge cross Deception Pass, and the bridges are on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Deception Pass is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. During ebb and flood tide current speed reaches about 8 knots (9.2 mph), flowing in opposite directions between ebb and flood. This swift current can lead to standing waves, large whirlpools, and rolling eddies. The two RV Gypsies observed and photographed this phenomenon from the twin bridges' pedestrian walkways and from the trail leading below the larger south bridge from the parking lot on the Whidbey Island side. Boats can be seen waiting on either side of the pass for the current to stop or change direction before going through. Thrill-seeking kayakers go there during large tide changes to surf the standing waves and brave the class 2 and 3 rapid conditions. |
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The two RV Gypsies looked down from the Deception Pass Bridge at part of Deception Pass State Park and the beach and decided they wanted to go down there. |
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Deception Pass is today surrounded by Deception Pass State Park, the most-visited park in Washington with over 2 million visitors each year. A Discover Pass is required at state parks for day use.
The park was officially established in 1923, when the original 1,600 acres of a military reserve was transferred to Washington State Parks. The park's facilities were greatly enhanced in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built roads, trails, and buildings in order to develop the park. |
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After a few stairs and a short, but steep path, the two RV Gypsies made it to Little North Beach. They got a wonderful view of the bridge they were on a few minutes earlier. |
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Little North Beach |
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After going around the corner of the cliff shown above, Karen noticed the black cliffs with white designs and went closer to take photographs. She did not know what type of rock this was. At first Ilse thought it was bird poop until she looked closer. That made Karen laugh. |
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Karen Duquette loved how clear
the water was and how the rocks in the water sparkled in the sunshine. |
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Such a beautiful, peaceful place. |
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Lee Duquette started back up the trail because it was time to go on the boat tour. |
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Please continue on to any of these 44 sections in the state of Washington that you have not yet seen. There is also a link to BC, Canada below. |
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Deception Pass State Park |
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 AFTER you have seen all of the above sections, please continue on to British Columbia, Canada: Cultus Lake, Bridal Falls, Harrison Hot Springs, City of Hope, the tunnels, Whistler, Brandywine Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, Shannon Falls, a bear tour, Lac La Hache Provincial Park, Prince George, Glaciers and waterfalls in Smithers, salmon jumping, Indians net fishing and more.
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