Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle to Deception Pass — including things to do in Anacortes

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A day trip from Seattle to Anacortes and Deception is guaranteed to provide dramatic views and exciting adventures, like the Deception Pass bridge shown here. The view is from the underbelly of the narrow span which is dramatically high above the water below. The pieces of reinforced steel criss cross to create countless geometric shapes. Above is the concrete slabs holding up the road.

This article outlines a fantastic day trip itinerary taking in the beautiful nature of the Salish Sea — from Seattle to Deception Pass. The itinerary includes things to do in Anacortes

Total drive time from/to Seattle 3:57 hours. Total distance from/to Seattle 184 miles.

Table of contents — Seattle to Deception Pass including things to do in Anacortes

The views from Deception Pass are beautiful on this day trip to nature. In this shot, Deception Island sits in the middle of the Salish Sea, rocky shore and short fir trees huddled together on the small parcel of land. In the foreground two kayakers glide by with paddles in hand.
Deception Island sounds a bit too ominous for such a stunning day. This shot is from Lighthouse Point.

A local’s trip from Seattle to Deception Pass, including Anacortes

It’s easy to drive in any direction from Seattle to take in natural beauty and wonder, but the northern escape route on Interstate 5 has to be one of the best. On this particular morning I’m on the road early, moving at a quick pace through the suburban gauntlet of mass transit construction, drab concrete dividers and a spaghetti-like flow of merging lanes, exits, HOV fast passes and blinking traffic notifications. It doesn’t take too long before the ratio of green to concrete increases and my car eagerly approaches Everett, WA with anticipation that open spaces are fast approaching. It’s around 6am on this June morning, and the sun, already making claim to the clear sky, casts an optimistic glow over the valley below. Mist rises up from a vast array of farming fields, marsh land and pockets of industrial action, and I already feel freed from the social distancing pressures of the city I love.

Another half an hour passes by and the road turns flat as the wide Skagit Valley comes into view. Broad fields of Spring crops push up a myriad of green hues. Rolling mounds lead to higher foothills that almost disappear into the morning fog — the mountains peeking out every now and again as if preparing behind stage for the main attraction later in the day. Towards the water, mist bubbles up from the rivers and the scene of nature overwhelms the senses. This 20 mile stretch of Interstate 5 is one of the three most stunning drives from the California border to British Columbia and I’m thankful it’s so close to Seattle (stay tuned for that post another day).

I’m just starting a fantastic day trip from Seattle that will take me to the dramatic cliffs of Deception Pass, nature gateway of Anacortes, and pioneer town quaintness of La Conner, WA. 

Deception Pass State Park

A day trip from Seattle to the dramatic coastlines of Deception Pass and Anacortes will provide stunning views like this. A high stone faced cliff rises from bright green saltwater quietly resting in the sea below. There are small fir trees at the top of the cliff leading to a blue sky above. The cliff casts a slight dark shadow over the water and in the foreground small shrubs pop their heads up.
Beware of high cliffs! This is one of many stunning vistas on the Lighthouse Point Trail, which is on the north portion of Deception Pass State Park.

It’s only seven in the morning and so my usual stop in La Conner for breakfast goodness isn’t an option, and I push onward to the quiet early morning sequence of hiking several trails at the spectacular state park. However, Calico Bakery in La Conner (opens at 8AM) is a great morning stop along the way to get grub. The scenery is beautiful and I talk about the cute pioneer town towards the end of this itinerary.

Around 7:30am I cross the 1930’s-era bridge — high above the famed narrow stretch of water separating Whidbey Island from Hidalgo Island. Pulling into the viewpoint parking area just after the bridge is easy this time of day, and I park my car and display my Discovery Pass in the window. I’ve walked out on the narrow sidewalk to peer down to the water several times before, so this morning I opt to skip this harrowing experience (but it’s worth it!) and push on with hiking.

There are a handful of approaches to experiencing Deception Pass State Park, and the list below orders them by general popularity. I start at the Bridge Viewpoint and focus on bullets 4, 5 and 6 today.

  1. Bridge viewpoint and pedestrian access — the quintessential experience walking along the narrow pedestrian sidewalk to peer over the railing to the churning water way below.
  2. North Beach — accessible from both the viewpoint parking and the main park parking. Outstanding angles of the bridge from below.j
  3. West Beach and Amphitheater — Easy to reach spaces for enjoying the beach and scenery.
  4. Goose Rock Summit and perimeter trail — hike up to the ‘bald’ peak and around the eastern lobe of the park.
  5. Bowman Bay — on the northern part of the park with two spectacular hikes to Lottie Bay (views of the bridge) and Lighthouse Point (bridge and Olympic Mountain views.)
  6. Rosario Beach — peaceful set of beaches with ample spacing for picnics and short easy hikes.
A trail on gravel leads through high brush that consists of tall coastal grasses and big bright white flowers. In the distance is a hill with dark green firs. The beach is rocky and the quiet body of water creates a divide for the rocky hill in the background leading to Lighthouse Point Trail in Deception Pass State Park.
Beautiful Bowman Bay is a great starting out point for several iconic walks in the north section of Deception Pass State Park, including the scenic Lighthouse Point Trail in the distance.

Over the next few hours I hike up to Goose Rock to gaze out at the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains and reposition my car two more times on the north side of the bridge (and park) whilst exploring Bowman Bay and Rosario Beach areas. I run into a deer on the trail towards Lighthouse Point and watch the sway of the giant kelp affixed to the floor of the Puget Sound with the exhale of low-tide water. Rosario Beach brings delight as I join a 6 and 8 year old on a floating dock to witness sea otters frolicking in the shallow aqua water as seaweed washes ashore.

By 11:30, the park is coming to life, as if the changing tide is bringing a new flow of visitors to the array of beaches and water attractions. It’s time for me to move on, and I make my sights on lunch in nearby Anacortes, Washington.

Things to do in Anacortes, Washington

A large ship is in dry dock with large patches of gray paint dotting the otherwise dark blue hull of the vessel. The underwater line section of the metal is painted red. Cranes and workers are operating around the ship.
Ship building and dry dock services are key economic drivers of the Anacortes area. Marine life is everywhere.

To me, Anacortes was an area with Washington’s main oil refinery (close to ships arriving from Alaska with crude oil) and the place to catch the Washington State Ferry system to the breathtaking San Juan Islands. Today is a day to push my expectations and I take a more scenic approach to town, following Rosario Drive which leads to Marine Road — both following the water.

Downtown Anacortes is very quaint, with a Main Street cluster of turn of the 20th century stately buildings and commerce that appears to be awakening from a two month quarantine pause. Several places display their goods outside, as if to push the envelope on the updated social distancing guidelines and I locate Dad’s Diner which was suggested to me by a local friend in the area. Like many restaurants now working to embrace ever-changing guidelines, there is an awkward dance between ordering online and simply talking to the friendly man at the barricaded doorway. But the yummy spicy breakfast tacos are worth any additional steps. Two deer stop traffic in the main avenue as I walk to my car to relocate to a park setting to enjoy my meal.

Yummy spicy breakfast tacos from Dad's Diner in Anacortes, Washington serve up some goodness. This taco is held by a hand and features a ripe jalepeno cross section amongst eggs and white cream sauce.
Breakfast tacos from Dad’s Diner in Anacortes equal outdoor eating delight!

Washington Park and other Anacortes parks offer stunning views in all directions

The day is brilliant — sunny with fresh blue skies and scenery popping up seemingly from all angles. I head up to Cap Sante to eat my tacos on a large ‘bald’ cap to the hill while gazing at Mount Baker, rising above a broad maritime-scape of large seagoing vessels, sailboats, and yachts out for a joyride. Today there is no problem parking, but, with only space for about 8 cars, things could get tight on a weekend.

Crossing town is easy and I make a quick stop at The Store for some delicious baked goods and coffee. This store also has a huge wine selection and other nibbles making for great picnic fare. Opting for back roads to avoid the uninspiring slog of ferry traffic, I wind back out to Marine Road and make my way to Washington Park.

This shot shows a scene from the viewpoint of Cap Sante Park which is one of the great things to do in Anacortes, Washington. A woman sits on top of a giant boulder with other rocks around and some patches of bright green grass. She looks out towards snow capped Mount Baker and the vast water of the Puget Sound. There is a large merchant ship in the channel and a fir tree covered island. The sky is bright blue. A day trip from Seattle to Deception Pass and Anacortes is guaranteed to provide stunning vistas of nature.
Cap Sante is a small, understated park in Anacortes, Washington, but the views toward Mt. Baker area awe inspiring on a sunny day.

Where Cap Sante focuses east to Mount Baker, Washington Park looks west toward the San Juans and places south. The drive around loop is open for cars most of the week, but closed to foot traffic on weekends. Since it’s Wednesday (and I’ve already hiked 8 miles), I’m in for a treat, and my Volvo winds around the curving roadway framed in with thickets of native brush. Green Point is a great stopping place, as well as another ‘bald’ viewpoint farther along with a unique reddish rock color.

La Conner, Washington — a perfect stop on a day trip from Seattle to Deception Pass

A large replica of a cedar hat traditionally worn by the Swinomish people is one of three large pavilion covers erected in a park across the channel from the pioneer town of La Conner, Washington. This is a great stop along a day trip from Seattle.
This pavilion rooftop is a replica of cedar hats traditionally worn by the Swinomish people. The tribe is located opposite La Conner, Washington along the Swinomish Channel.

One of the most scenic drives of the day takes place from Washington Park to La Conner via southbound Marine Road which cuts through to Highway 20. The views of the bay open up and flow to peaceful country roads that wind around still lakes in amongst farmland.

La Conner, Washington is named after one of the town founders, Lousia Conner, and harkens back to pioneer days. The Swinomish Tribe is just on the other side of the Skagit River Delta, and I enjoy the waterfront park with the three event spaces created under giant traditional hats. Rainbow Bridge is another interesting attraction — the pink hue the color of salmon heading up the channel to spawn.

The Rainbow Bridge connects the Swinomish Tribal Community with La Conner, Washington. In this shot, the prink bridge is hidden behind several tall fir trees and maple brush of Pioneer Park.
The bright pink color of the Rainbow Bridge catches the eye when driving between the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the tiny pioneer town La Conner, Washington.

This town swells up during the famous Skagit Valley tulip season in April each year, but La Conner is fun year-round. I wrote a complete article about this area, so for more details check out, La Conner, Washington — the best of Skagit Valley.

Return home refreshed from a nature escape day-trip from Seattle to Deception Pass, including things to do in Anacortes

A day trip from Seattle to Deception Pass and Anacortes is food for the soul on a beautiful day like the one in this picture. A man sits on a wide grassy meadow overlooking a flowing body of water that is part of the Salish Sea. Across the water is more land with gray sandy beaches and tall green firs. In the far distance the Olympic Mountains rise up with bits of snow covered peaks.
This view from Lighthouse Point seems to have it all — earth, water and air. The Olympic Mountains are particularly prominent on this clear day.

The final path winding through what is a collage of brightly colored tulips in spring is still stunning in a more understated way now. Mount Baker is prominently on display, afternoon sun shining on her face while farm life continues in the fertile valley. I connect again with Interstate 5 and sample a chocolate covered macaroon procured in Anacortes earlier in the day as my SUV locks in for home.

The sweet, texture-rich macaroon procured at The Store in Anacortes offers the perfect analogy for the day — rich texture, wet with salt and sugar, topped with a delightful chocolate edge. Refreshing and optimistic — I head home.

Interactive Map of a day-trip from Seattle to Deception Pass, including things to do in Anacortes

While my personal trip on this gorgeous May day lasts 12 hours, including hiking and eating, the actual drive time to cover all these spots is just under 4 hours and the best routing, taking into account of scenery and other considerations is noted in blue on the Google Map below — restaurants and other attractions marked in red. Of course, it’s encouraged to customize for meals, hiking stamina and overall day-trip endurance and it’s not out of the question to drop anchor at a local lodge to create a fun overnight getaway.

If you go — planning tips and considerations for Seattle to Deception Pass, including things to do in Anacortes

While my personal trip on this gorgeous May day lasts 12 hours, including hiking and eating, the actual drive time to cover all these spots is just under 4 hours and the best routing, taking into account of scenery and other considerations is noted in blue on the Google Map below — restaurants that serve takeout and other attractions marked in red. Of course, it’s encouraged to customize for meals, hiking stamina and overall day-trip endurance and it’s not out of the question to drop anchor at a local lodge to create a fun overnight getaway. For more information on some options you can read my recent article, 8 of the best things to do on Whidbey Island.

Weather and planning in the Pacific Northwest

Deception Pass bridge on the highway toward Anacortes. The narrow sidewalk on the left side of the busy road follows off into the back of the photo, while a fir tree frames the left side of the picture. Two cars drive away from the camera towards a rolling hill of sound fir trees.
A narrow sidewalk leads the way to an exciting thrill of bridge span — especially when large trucks roll by and the structure bounces up and down.

If living anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, you know that the weather can always be wet west of the Cascade Mountains any time of year. Early in the morning it was cold enough to require a hat and coat but by the time I was wandering through the cowboy avenue of La Conner all I wore was a tee-shirt and jeans. It’s best to bring several different layers of clothing to match the micro-climates and time of year. The Pacific Northwest doesn’t present with obvious heat and beach-like conditions, but the sun still has power, especially in the summer. Be mindful of the rays and be sure to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water if planning longer hikes.

For meal planning, it might also be a good idea to have a cooler bag available to store snacks and drinks for picnic areas, in addition to water. Picnics are a great option to enjoy a meal surrounded by glorious nature. This itinerary also passes by enough options for provisions along the way, and more specific information is shown on the interactive map above.

As for fees, while there isn’t a direct cost to enter the State Parks mentioned here, a Discovery Pass is required to use the parking areas. The pass is $30 for the year where you buy fishing and hunting licenses or $10 day-pass at the particular parking site — which usually accepts credit cards. I also always have some petty cash available, preferably in $5 increments, to pay city and county parking fees if/when they arise.

Day trip from Seattle “pro tip” — get an early start to the day

This early morning shot captures the sun rising through a dense forest of mid size fir trees. In the foreground a rhododendron bush blooms with pink flowers while the rays shine against the textured bark of a doulgas fir tree.
Early morning sun shines through the quiet forest on the Goose Rock Summit Trail in Deception Pass State Park.

Maybe you don’t need to leave at 6AM like me, but the earlier the better to head from Seattle to Deception Pass, for three reasons:

  • Traffic is much lighter, making it very easy to quickly leave the metro area.
  • Crowds start to thicken at about 11AM, especially with popular destinations like the Deception Pass Bridge — where the narrow sidewalk causes a tourist log-jam.
  • When starting later in the day, I find that it’s easier to run out of energy without experiencing all the greatness of Deception Pass and Anacortes.

Interested in another day trip from Seattle? Check out more ideas HERE.

The title of this Pinterest tile reads Day Trip from Seattle and shows a scene from the viewpoint of Cap Sante Park in Anacortes, Washington. A woman sits on top of a giant boulder with other rocks around and some patches of bright green grass. She looks out towards snow capped Mount Baker and the vast water of the Puget Sound. There is a large merchant ship in the channel and a fir tree covered island. The sky is bright blue.
Inspiring view of Mt.Baker from Cap Sante Park, in Anacortes