Deception Pass State Park consists of 3,599 acres, with 7,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, 28,200 feet of freshwater shoreline and approximately 28 miles of hiking trails. Though not officially part of the San Juan Islands, the park shares a geologic history: The cliffs of Deception Pass are made of the same rock that underlies Orcas Island. About 15,000 years ago, a glacier gnawed on the land, gouging out the channels and bays we enjoy today.
The park was created in 1921 and it is a dramatic place, whether viewed from land or sea. The bridge (see attached picture), 182 feet high, was completed in 1935 and spans the gulf between Fidalgo and Whidbey islands, utilizing Canoe Island, also called Pass Island, for its middle support.
In summer, be prepared for crowds, as more than 2 million people visit the park each year. But in winter months, there are only a few cars at the bridge and a sprinkling of people scattered over the bare bones of Canoe Island.