Hike #3: Deception Pass State Park, Part I: Bowman Bay trail to Rosario Head

Today, I was excited about this hike.  The weather was perfect; blue skies, light breeze, and warm (but not hot)!  James got me interested just from the hike's name... who could pass up Deception Pass?! My thoughts were, what could possibly be so deceptive?

Deception Pass State Park is one of Washington's most famous parks.  I understand now why it is so.  The landscape is worth noting; a long sandy beach, rugged coast lines followed by 50ft cliffs, narrow and canopied trails, stunning seascape and mountain spectacles, and grassy bluffs that allow views of Deception Pass.  Apparently over three million people visit this park each year!

It's History
Captain George Vancouver became the first European to identify the area near what is now Whidbey Island as a passage, which he named "Deception Pass." A 1923 act of Congress designated the property for public recreation purposes. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built roads, trails, buildings and bridges to develop the park.

"Deception Pass" was originally named from Captain Vancouver's realization that he accidentally mistaken the island as a peninsula. He named that island, "Whidbey" in honor of his assistant, Joseph Whidbey, who was at his side when Vancouver realized the mistake. The captain named the inlet at which he was anchored "Deception Pass" to commemorate the error. 

My Trip
We didn't get to see Deception Pass. We went on a different trail to Rosario Head.  While we were hiking the trail, James finally decided to tell me we were going the wrong way.  We will return to the park another time to see the Pass. Despite the fact I didn't get to see the infamous Deception Pass, I still really liked this hike!  It isn't something that feels strenuous or exhausting.  It is more of a calming experience despite some of the steep inclines.  The hike itself is only a couple of miles with maybe 100ft incline...no biggie!

As I walked through the narrow trails that hugged the coastline, the smell of the sea filled me with memories of my childhood living on Vancouver Island; walking along Swylana Lagoon to be more specific. The trail looked onto breathtaking seascapes.

Anyone could walk this trail, children and seniors included (as long as the seniors have strength to climb a bit).  If you have a baby, I suggest you put the baby in a carrier.  The trail is too narrow and rugged for any jogging stroller to handle.

Rosario Head is stunning.  It looks onto Lopez Island.  There are 50ft steep cliffs, so make sure you keep a very close eye on your little ones!

Hike Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Time length: Depends on the trail, there are lots of them. We were only hiking for a couple of hours, including our picnic time.
Scenic: ABSOLUTELY
Children accessible: ABSOLUTELY
My RANKING for Deception Pass: AWESOME!!

Haiku #3
Trails steep and winding,
Panoramic Ocean View
Great for a hot day!

What a handsome man and a beautiful baby ;)

It's a long way down.

There was one area where it had rails!

I love Arbutus Trees.  There were a whole bunch of trees along the trail.

This Arbutus tree had an interesting shape to it...kinda looked like a bush.


The next two pictures depict the Maiden of Deception Pass; read the story here.

A view from the cliff.

Watch your step!

Resting in front of Rosario Beach.

A panoramic view of Bowman Bay :)