Deception Pass State Park is a top tier gem of a state park. There's so much to see! This park spans multiple islands, and of course is connected by a bunch of bridges that traverse sheer ocean cliffs with rocky beaches at the base. More inland, there are quiet old growth forests, lakes, and bluffs. I visited the tide pools at Rosario Head during one of the lowest tides of the year. From the parking lot, it's about a 10 minute walk to the tide pools, crossing a conveniently located washroom as well. Since it's so heavily trafficked, there are ropes strung about to keep visitors from trampling on recovering habitats, and also ropes that guide the way to see some tide pool critters. Some staff members were also there to answer any questions and give more information. I did a hike around Rosario Head after my tidepool visit-you get to stand on top of the bluffs and admire the bluest water and the most fluffy clouds for miles. Of course, it's among one of the most trafficked state parks in Washington, so come early if you want to easily snag a parking spot. read more

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First, don't let the name scare you. This was our first thought when planning to come here. It was given since there are a ton of waterways which was deceiving to visitors. Those waterways are what make this place so amazing though. Beautiful state park. Lots of scenic trails. Hike down to the water or stay high and explore the views. You can go in through the whidbey island side or the fidalgo island side. We came in through the whidbey island side and it was pretty easy. Recommend checking out the bays too. It's a nice relaxing beach day with actual sand! We camped at bowman bay. During low tide, explore the rocks and you'll find a ton of crabs. Kids loved it! Pet friendly as well. We brought our huge bernedoodle and she loved it too. Dogs must be on leash but the trails were doable with her. Mostly dirt trails without many rocks or obstacles. Weather is always hit or miss in the PNW. It did rain on us the first night but it was actually very relaxing. Remember, no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. So gear up, come prepared, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful exploration. read more

This is a beautiful park. I have visited multiple times. I was first brought here by a group of female friends and we enjoyed hiking some trails and walking along the water under the bridge. It is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature and have quiet conversation with people you care about. On this last visit I brought my husband and dog. I always appreciate dog friendly parks. My husband really liked the bridge. He walked over it and took some photos. I was quite surprised at the amount of foot traffic but I understand why people love it. We visited some lovely beaches and explored the tide pools like we were children again. There is a lot of driftwood here if that's something that you enjoy. There is also art to be found. It really feels like there is something for everyone here. I am from out of state so for those of you who are visiting from afar, know that you can buy a discovery pass for $10 a day on site for any of the state parks you want to visit. In the instance of Deception Pass it's definitely worth it. read more

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This was a really nice park to stay in. We do a coastal trip every year and decide to do one a bit more northerly this year. Deception Pass Campground was a good choice. There are many spots with service, minus sewer. they do have a dump station nearby the entrance if needed. Getting a spot after labor day was fairly easy and the crowd at the campground was quiet. The loops are easy to get around and the sites were kept clean by park staff. There are nice trails in the immediate area as well as some nice beach areas. North beach provides a great view of the deception pass bridge as well entertainment if you're willing to sit and watch the folks fishing for salmon both on the shore and in boats. We brought our own chairs and had lunch while watching these activities. The west beach provides excellent views of the Straight of Juan De Fuca. One note on this campground. There is a Naval Base nearby and the jets going overhead can be loud. During our visit they didn't fly over before 7am and not after about 9pm. I wouldn't count on that being the rule though. I've worked at an airport all my like and I hardly noticed them, but most folks will. read more

This is always a nice place to visit. Parking always a challenge on the main road but there are parking lots further down the road and on the road parking. You do need a Discover Pass or pay the daily fee. read more

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A gorgeous washington gem :) It's easy to spend a day exploring here - beaches? Foresty hikes? An amazing bridge? You got it. An adventurer's paradise! About an hour and half from Seattle so it's doable as a day trip! read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

Showers, bathrooms, camp sites are clean and well maintained. Water & electric provided at designated campsites / RV / camper sites come in handy. This is our first time here- I am not disappointed. We needed help erecting a new tent when a couple at another campsite offered their help. Wow! See you again this time next year! read more

Mother nature mixed with the military. Beautiful state park (don't forget your Discover Pass) on the north end of Whidbey Island. Great beaches for long walks and family outings. The far south end is particularly great for finding sea glass. Be sure to bring ear plugs with you when you are at the south border of the beach. This is where you will meet up with one of the runways of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, home of the EA-18G Growler electronic attack squadrons. The noise pollution has been part of many lawsuits for years. The Navy has rejected a proposal to move its Growler electronic attack squadrons to a base in Southern California., so the noise issue isn't going away any time soon. If you have ear plugs, it's actually quite a sight to see the growlers take off. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

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I absolutely love this park. It is so gorgeous and beautiful. Depending on the time of year, whales can be seen too. Pretty spectacular! Even in the rain I love love it here. If I could live in a house on this coastline I would in a heart beat. For now, day trips and driving along the coast will have to suffice. Per Yelp reviews, I will say excellent service, the rangers are friendly, the value is good!, (you do do need a discovery pass or pay $10 a day, and I desired grounding in mature and it was worth the effort to get here. Driving in traffic, paying for gas, etc. do it! Mental health is part of self care. SYOY! read more

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While there are trails to be hiked at this state park, the shore fishing for salmon is what attracted us to visit and get a fishing license. As our fishing luck would have it, the fish were jumping, but not biting. If fishing and not catching isn't your thing, hiking the different trails was interesting in that there were lots of sights to see. In one direction, there is the Deception Pass Bridge that connects Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island which I am told is not really an island. With the traffic speeding across the bridge, the walk seems somewhat treacherous. In the other direction is Cranberry Lake and an interpretive trail which are always fascinating to me. On the interpretive trail there is an 850+ years old Douglas-fir that worth a look as it is not typical looking. Additionally, many of the signs on the trail are about conservation of our resources. Near Cranberry Lake, there are port-o-potties and on the other side near North Beach there are brick and mortar restrooms.For day use, the fee is $10. read more

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Such a pretty State Park! Awesome views! Great place to sit, relax and take in the views. A lot of people rock hunting on the beach so of course I had to look for a few of my own too. Parking was pretty open during the week so no trouble finding a beach front spot. Bathrooms were also relatively clean, better than expected. $10 day pass or $30 for a year pass. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

This is such a beautiful state park. My husband and I came here with our senior pup to do the little hike down to the beach area for a view of the bridge. We came on the earlier side so there was lots of parking. The Discover pass is needed if you'll be parking and hiking/hanging around in the park. The bathrooms were easy to find and pretty clean! The trail we took down from the bridge was pretty easy. We had our pup in a backpack and it didn't take long at all for us to make our way down. Very nice views! Great start to our day exploring the Whidbey area! read more

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Camping at Quarry Pond Deception State Park was sweet, aside the overhead jet noise. And the online photo of our site to help choose by was taken years ago, I think. It depicted an open site in the photo, it was quite overgrown at our arrival. Oh, and huge rocks in each site, be careful backing in! read more

Gorgeous for sure. We parked at the bridge lot recently and took the Goose Rock Perimeter and Summit trails. Definitely some stunning views from the top and beautiful trees throughout. The incline/decline was there, but not too challenging...narrow and winding as we went down towards the bay. After finishing we walked the bridge both directions. Gorgeous waters and picturesque views abound. We were even treated to a pair of eagles seeming to stand sentry, perched at either side of bridge watching over the waters....such a lovely site! Also fun to watch the seals playing below around Lottie and Gun Points. Overall a beautiful park. We didn't have time to explore further, but look forward to returning to check out more trails. read more

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What a great place to walk the beach, hike the trails, just see the beauty of this area! Plenty of parking. Bathrooms camping if you want. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

The renowned Naturalist and Conservationist John Muir once said 'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks'. And after visiting Deception Pass State Park, I truly understand what he means. What nature gave us was so much more than we could have imagined. The value of this experience was priceless. Stepping out of the car into the wooded areas of Deception Pass State Park was stepping out into a new world. The large trees spread their leaves down over the paths as we made our way down through the forest and everywhere we looked we found beauty. The water spread out before us and the driftwood spread out across the beach only enhanced the natural beauty of the landscape. The park rangers who helped us with information were very friendly and knowledgeable about the park and their job and were very helpful. The scenery was amazing and I enjoyed every minute I spent there, looking out at the sites and scenery spread out before us. The trails we hiked on were well maintained and the park was full of wildlife and wonders. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our time there and would love to go back again soon. My experience with Deception Pass State Park has been exceptional and we left there with a newfound appreciation for nature. The value this wonderful place offers is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone looking to go out and explore nature and gain new experiences. Deception Pass State Park is truly a hidden gem. In times such as these, it is truly a much needed escape from every day life and a place of beauty and adventure, a valuable resource for those looking for adventure and beauty. I have valued my time there immensely and left with a newfound appreciation for nature. Deception Pass State Park is truly a treasure. I would recommend this place to all who look for a good time and beautiful sites. A great place for kids as well. Now get out to Deception Pass State Park and make memories, I swear you won't regret it. read more

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What a beautiful park to visit. The view is amazing. We saw a car turn around because they were asking for a fee to enter the park. It is worth every dollar. We enjoyed a little hike to get to the water and loved watching people skipping stones on the water. It is just so peaceful there. It truly is a gift. read more

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I had so much fun hiking around this park with my son. We hiked up to the cliffs and I explored the beach, collecting rocks. This park offers a Whidbey Island side and a Skagat County side. This trip we explored the Skagat County side. On a previous trip- we hiked the Whidbey Island side and got fantastic views of the bridge and wildlife. And there is so much more to this park, more to hike, more to explore! Washington State offers State Park passes for $10 a day OR $30 for the year- we paid for the year and hit more than one park over our visit and left the membership for the kids to use. The weather was gorgeous- 60's. It wasn't too buggy either. I just loved soaking up the nature! read more

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Absolutely stunning! I love this park and wish I could stay here longer. I highly recommend visiting here if you are in the area. There are restrooms are near the main areas and they were decent. read more

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This is my favorite Washington State park. My friend and I walked a few trails and chilled by the beach and also checked out some tide pools on a beautiful summer day. Perfect for a day trip or a camping weekend. Don't forget to check out the bridge as well, which you can walk on or under, and the lighthouse! Parking can be tricky if you get here later in the day. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of parking spots throughout the park and off street parking isn't that plentiful either. Follow my Instagram and TikTok @thephotographerfoodie for more! :) read more

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I wish I lived closer so I could visit this place more often. At this rate, I may only be making this trip once a year when I drive up for the tulips in the spring. Gorgeous views and a day well spent hiking most of the trails. It is busy - the bridge gets packed with tourists and locals alike admiring the views. There are several areas to park though again, be warned. Space is limited. Pls note: Discover Pass needed. read more

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Deception Pass State Park can be a fun place to visit just for a walk along the water or through the trail system. I have also found it to be a fun place to camp with family and friends or come and eat lunch when visiting my grandparents that live in Oak Harbor. Depending on the weather and the time of year, the park might be deserted or packed with cars circling. The summer months tend to be the busiest and can be so crammed it starts to detract from the experience, especially if just trying to come and eat lunch with family. On the positive, the parking lot is easy to navigate and there are abundant offerings to keep one busy while visiting. Oddly, I have not encountered much wildlife here on recent visits, just a strange change from my childhood. The trail system is well maintained and leads up to and under the Deception Pass Bridge, which makes for fun adventuring. However, twice I have encountered difficulty with finding the trail where it has not been clearly defined. My recommendation to avoid this problem is to take a picture of a map of the trail system at one of the informational pavilions to use as a reference while hiking if need be. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Sunny today. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

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I LOVE this campground! It was my first time camping here so I blindly chose a camp site, with my main requirement being near the restrooms. It was perfect - we were across from the restroom and a quick walk away from the beach. We went mid-June from a Sunday - Tuesday and the campground was wide open. The forecast looked grim prior to our trip but it ended up being really nice first day and a half and the rest of the time it drizzled lightly, typical June weather. First, there are hot showers! One big stall with a seat and a smaller stall. You need to purchase tokens from the gate when you enter. The restrooms got a little sketchy as the day went on from Sunday to Monday. Ran out of TP and dirty. They cleaned on Monday and that is when I felt okay to shower. Our campsite was for one tent, but we registered for two tents with our friends joining us and we set our tent on the gravel (over big moving blankets) and there was a lot of space for us all (8 people total). Our site was surrounded by bushes and semi-private. We parked our cars at the entrance of the site to add more privacy and it was great. Highly recommend bringing jackets and pants even if it's warm at your site. It's always much cooler by the beach. It was quite windy at the beach while we were there but not at the site. It was too early in the season for the lake activities to be open I believe but it would've been too cold anyway. Bonus: Coffee stand on site! And a little camp store with camp items, wood, and souvenirs. 100% recommend! read more

Deception Pass State Park - Campsite with one tent in (on gravel) - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

Favorite state park in Washington. We spend every weekend before Memorial Day at Deception Pass State Park, enjoying hiking the Deception Pass Loop Trail between Rosario Head, Bowman Bay and Lighthouse Point. The water is pristine, stunning blues and deep aquas. Really nice shaded hikes on Lighthouse Point, as well as from Rosario Head to Bowman Bay with several scenic lookouts throughout - the views never get old. Great view of Deception Pass Bridge from Lighthouse Point as well as Lotte Point (even closer). Nicely maintained trails on Rosario Head and Lighthouse Point, less marked on Lotte Point. Checking out the tidepools at Rosario Head during low tide is always an adventure and a treat! Super friendly rangers with fun marine life displays and props. The campgrounds at Bowman Bay appear very popular, kayaks available for rent. Large parking lot (exposed) at Bowman Bay and a more modest parking lot (heavily shaded ftw!) at Rosario Head, which fills quickly. Remember to display your WA Discover Pass if parking. Restroom facilities at Rosario Head are very clean and nicely maintained, facilities are no frills at Bowman Bay. Huge fan of this park - thank you, Washington State Parks! Hope you enjoy! read more

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Deception Pass State Park was truly a wonderful state park for my family and I to visit for a hiking day trip. There are plenty of well marked beautiful trails to choose from and the views are stunning. The parking lot next to the bridge had staff working selling merch and discover passes. There was a good amount of parking so we were able to use that lot. The restrooms were well kept also. If you're in the area I highly recommend checking out this state park. read more

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The sunny spring weather currently greeting Seattle reminded me of our day trip to Whidbey Island and Deception Pass several months ago. Let's reminisce back to the end of summer 2020 which we concluded with a visit to this state park. Although a little cloudy, it wasn't raining, so we considered it adequate weather to spend the day outside. If you don't have the annual Discover Pass which allows entrance into Washington's state parks, you can purchase a day pass at the gate for just $10. With a couple maps from the park ranger and some snacks, we began our day at West Beach. Even with the clouds, there were many people lounging in beach chairs, having picnics and playing in the sand. (When in Washington, a gray-ish day can still count as beach weather!) The parking lot is relatively large but on a sunny day, be sure to arrive early to ensure a spot. We walked down the beach and perched up against some driftwood with a clear view of the water. While a little chilly, there was barely any wind, so we had a relaxing time. We even saw a sea lion bobbing in the distant waves! Considering the number of people in this area, it was just inconvenient that a pair of nearby restrooms were completely locked. When we did find some open bathrooms, they appeared well-maintained and stocked with enough toilet paper, towels and soap. Later, we drove over to North Beach. It can be tough to score parking at this small lot, but the sight from this area of the beach is quite rewarding! A quick walk downhill leads you to the unobstructed view of the one-and-only Deception Bridge, a popular place for photos. Grab a seat on the long pieces of driftwood and take it all in! Additionally, just up the way are some trails that lead to the bridge itself and also to the summit of Goat Rock. The bridge was under construction at the time we visited, but is usually popular for a daytime stroll. We only saw a portion of Deception Pass State Park, but there is much more to explore. On a nice day, this is a wonderful place to spend some time outdoors. Lay on the beach, explore the lush trails and enjoy the fresh air! read more

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Been a Washingtonian since 1973, but it was my first visit ever to Deception Pass State Park on 3/7/21 during a spontaneous road trip. It is located between Oak Harbor and Anacortes on Whidbey Island. It costs $10 entrance fee or show your valid Discover Pass ($30/year with car tab/registration renewal) at the ranger station. There are places to camp, hike, stroll, bird watch, picnic, walk along the beach...absolutely beautiful and worthy of a detour! read more

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Deception Pass offers absolutely incredible views. Its great for a quick pitstop. Or if you have the time and can spend a few hours or days exploring. 1 of the more beautiful parks in the Pacific Northwest. read more

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We love visiting Deception Pass State Park, the views are just amazing. We stop by the bridge and walk across it for that view before going down to the water. We have done some small hikes in the past, this visit we decided to go on the boat ride out to the ocean and back. We loved our boat ride, the views are magnificent, we got to see an orca. We use the Discover Pass for parking, we visit so many parks that let you use the pass making it worth it. read more

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Absolutely stunning park! The views at Deception Pass are breathtaking - the rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and towering bridges make for great experience. There are great trails that offer panoramic vistas. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Just be prepared for crowds during peak times. Something to note... Parking isn't great, I was blocked off by some car for over an hour. Try to park in the official park parking area to avoid getting blocked off. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

How I haven't written a review for Deception Pass State Park... I'll never know. My family and I make a point to stop at Deception Pass after the Tulip Festival every year. It truly turns the excursion into a WHOLE day and how could you not stop by and check out this iconic view if you're only 20 minutes away? I haven't actually walked all the way down to the beach - definitely on my list to do one of these times. We've walked the trails down from the bridge and checked out the view of the water from a ton of different angles, and there's not a bad spot to sit and admire it and take it all in. It's especially gorgeous here on a sunny day, but I can't imagine it would be an eyesore on a traditional gray Washington day, either. If you're nearby or a Washingtonian who hasn't been to Deception Pass yet - GO! Zero excuses. You won't regret it! read more

Fantastic state park! It has stunning views, wildlife and plenty of beautiful trails. The bridge itself is what the park is most known for and is incredible but this place has so much more to offer! We camp here and love that we have access to the woods, ocean, lakes, mountains and islands. There's so much to do throughout the whole year. I love coming in the off seasons to watch the sunset at Rosario beach or bowman bay. We frequently see bald eagles and other birds as well as some really interesting military aircraft. Trails range from flat to steep can be long or short. They have a nice loop trail flat enough for a stroller and plenty of long steep hikes with views you won't find anywhere else. Deception pass has great spots for fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking and so much more. Don't miss an opportunity to come explore this unique and stunning spot. read more

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Beautiful place To spend your day. Come prepared with lunch and a picnic blanket. Watch for the deer crossing. $10 day use or $30 for an annual pass. I wrote another review and it would let me post my photos. Hopefully this review allows me. read more

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This is one of the best state parks in Washington. If you haven't visited, it's a must, for it is the most visited state park for a damn good reason! We decided to road trip to Deception State Park and spent most of the day here. From Bellevue, it's about an 1.5 hour drive up north. Leave early if you plan to visit! We left Bellevue around 10, and once we arrived to the park, we drove to the main scenic vista where everyone goes when visiting Deception Pass. The parking lot is small for how many people visit this place, so getting here early is highly encouraged. We were lucky to have snagged a spot once we arrived in the early afternoon. Otherwise, we did see cars park along the side of the road leading up to this lot. But at the scenic vista is where you can hike down to north beach, walk under the iconic Deception Pass Bridge to get to the Goose Rock Trail or even walk along the Deception Pass Bridge. There's also an area for visitor's information where you can inquire about boat tours and such (but it is not the main visitor's center). There are also restrooms here. Because this is a state park, a Discover Pass is required. The north beach area is an easy hike down and up from when you park in the lot and offers a great view of the Deception Pass Bridge. Most people visit this beach in particular to see the bridge. There's also another parking lot closer to this beach on a lower level. The Goose Rock Trail is a great, short hike that you can get to from the parking lot. If you like hiking, I recommend doing this one, as it's the highest point in Whidbey Island and the views are worth it once you summit! It's an easy hike, but would recommend shoes with a grip, as parts of it can get muddy, especially from the rainfall. For other parts where you can drive to in this state park, I recommend going towards west beach, where you'll pass by Cranberry Lake, which is scenic on its own. We saw a lot of people fishing here. At west beach, it's a wonderful area for swimming and sunbathing. The parking lot is huge, so parking was easy. They also had a coffee cart, restrooms and an area where you can rent kayaks. Dogs are allowed here! There is so much to do at this state park! I would love to go camping here for the weekend, as this state park has many campgrounds throughout the park, with a lot of activities to offer, from hiking to swimming. Yet simply, this park is just beautiful. It's far from the city, so is a nice getaway for wonderful views and outdoor space. Glad to have spent a day here, which is not enough. read more

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I love visiting the park. Great walking trails. Going across the bridge and seeing the beautiful sites is amazing. I will never get tired of the view and the nature you see when walking the trails. We went with family and friends and would love to visit again. Great place to take photos. read more

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It's our first time camping here and WE LOVE IT! The spots are a great size and the hiking is AMAZING! The inly issue we had was that our site is at an angle so leveling out of trailer was a bit tough but it's nature so we dealt with it. We will definitely be back! read more

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We just finished hiking along West and North beaches. The hikes are easy and the trails well maintained. Winter is a great time to go because there is plenty of parking and crowds are at a minimum. Be sure to look for the only native rhododendrons we have in the state throughout the park. It's worth going back when they bloom in spring! read more

Deception Pass State Park - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

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My favorite state park! Great camping and some really fun beaches to walk and explore. The bridge is right there and there are some really cool car camping spots here. read more

Love, love, love this park! I've camped here several times over the years. The only downside is the jets flying over from the Navy base--they seem to fly especially low and loud at night. The beautiful nature, lake, beach, campgrounds, and hikes make it worth the noise, IMO read more

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Beautiful park with trails to hike around and enjoy the views. They offer picnic tables, bathrooms (and even have a hand dryer in them) and kayak rentals in the summer. I love coming here to enjoy the trails and catch a glimpse of seals, blue heron, sometimes whales, and listening to the waves. Don't forget your Discover Pass! read more

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