Deception Pass State Park — Whidbey Island

Date Hiked: March 22, 2023

I have not done much solo hiking, even though I cherish the time alone and love being by myself in the wilderness. Part of this hesitation comes from the valid concerns of my parents that I have internalized—getting hurt or assaulted on the trail and having no way to get help. Nowadays, I always carry a large knife on my belt and bear spray, whether that be for an animal or human attacker, with the hope that I will never have to use them. When I go to remote hikes, I try to have someone with me, but it can be difficult to coordinate schedules so I do not get out as much as I would like to. My compromise? Find a destination that is close enough to help if I need it, but also gives me the chance to get away from everyone.

Understandably, the most popular state park in Washington is Deception Pass State Park. With the surrounding farms on the drive in, the beauty of this old growth forest comes seemingly out of nowhere (though, if humans had not started farming and logging, it would not be out of nowhere!). I have visited this park a few times, but have not done many of the hikes, just visited the beaches. Today, I decided to walk across the full length of the bridge in both directions, something that turned out to be much scarier, and windier, than I had imagined. Every truck that wooshed by almost sent my hat over the edge and into the rapids below. One section of the railing has been dented outward from a crash…terrifying….

Mount Baker peeking out in the distance.

The middle of the bridge crosses Pass Island. I started my solo hike here, going down the stairs and under the bridge. The currents were flowing heavily, like a river. The seals and pigeon guillemots were having so much fun riding the waves. I walked around the entire island, possibly on some deer paths that I do not recommend (I got a little lost, these trails were no more than duff on top of some rocks above the water, not very stable. Stick to the designated paths…a note for me next time…).

Back on the Whidbey Island side, I started my hike on the Goose Rock loop trail. I decided to hike clockwise because I prefer going steeply up rather than down. This gorgeous trail starts out in lush green Cedar and Douglas Fir forest on the north side and follows the waterline. I saw an orange sea star for the first time in years, hopefully it survives the wasting disease. As the trail curves to the south, more Madrones grow, along with succulents and lichens clinging to the large rocks and cliff side. The sun hits this side much more, so it is much drier. I happened upon two garter snakes getting frisky (it certainly seems like I disturbed their moment). They slithered straight at me for a few feet before going off the trail, but not before I had a chat with one of them (yes, we made eye contact for a while and I apologized for the disruption). The trail splits off to the right, and this is where the climb begins—switchbacks to the top, with beautiful views on the way. Signs near the top say to stay on designated trails and bare rock so as not to disturb the fragile environment, and to keep dogs on-leash. I was pleased to see other hikers following these rules. The top of Goose Rock was the perfect lunch spot. The sun and blue sky made for spectacular views of the San Juan Islands, the Olympic National Park, and Whidbey Island to the south. Unfortunately, the jets from the nearby military base were flying around the entire time, so it was very noisy. After lunch, I descended back into the deep sea of green on the north side. The loop I did, starting at the parking lot right next to the bridge, was about 2.3 miles with 500ft elevation gain.

View from the top of Goose Rock.

I re-grouped at my car before driving to Rosario Beach. I explored the rocks and beach there, and enjoyed another snack on top of the cliffs (hiking is really just an excuse to find a pretty place to eat chocolate, right?).

Overall, I spent about five hours in the park. There were moments of hefty uphill climbs, relaxed trundling through cool forest, and lots of time to sit, reflect, and be away from people and technology. There are so many special places we can escape to find peace, and I am so lucky to live in a state that values these spaces enough to preserve them for all to experience their healing powers.

On the cliffs at Rosario Beach.