This was a fun hike right at the end of the day. We, just like many others, wanted to see the bridge. The bridge by the way, it's being repaired and is covered much of the length. The beach below allowed the kids to get in the cold Pacific Northwest water and play briefly until their feet were red and numb. Its not stated well at entry, DJI and AirMap didn't catch it, this is a no fly zone due to it being a State Park. read more

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I'm no outdoorsman. An anomaly in 2020, I prefer cities, urbanity, bright lights, outdoor cafes, and basement jazz clubs. Dressy and urbane, that is my comfort level. However, the beauty of Deception Pass State Park knocked my cashmere socks off. The scenery was PNW gorgeous. It truly was spiritual, and compelled reflection of both nature and a higher power. My penchant for the big city will never change, but Deception State Park opened me up to a different way of looking at the world. It was truly beautiful. read more

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This is a must stop! Walking on the bridge is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time! We came with kids so we were holding onto them for dear life lol. This place is definitely amazing! It's worth the scare. Walk down to the beach to get the full perspective. We actually saw a bald eagle in the trees last time we were here! I bring lots of guests here and they always love it! read more

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

A nice view and a respectable archectiture. Parking and standing spots on both sides. Can walk on the bridge sideway. Pretty high up for those looking for a thriller view. read more

If you are in the Anacortes area and have some time to kill, definitely check this place out. Some pretty nice nice trails and views. read more

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

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Wow, Deception pass bridge and the beautiful park with several parks around within a couple miles. Definitely a favorite blessed to live in such beautiful places. read more

Gorgeous state park for a day visit, overnight camping, or longer stays. For the park itself I cannot say enough about the natural beauty and location. It is magical. The park is well-maintained and there are tons of hiking trails that get you right in the thick of things. It seemed like there was something incredible around every turn and I had to keep stopping every 5 minutes or so to snap my jaw back up to the roof of my mouth. From massively scenic vistas to micro-wonders under the lush forest canopy they've got you covered. Intense hikes to beautiful peaks? Yes. Easy-breezy sun-dappled strolls in the woods? Yes. Water access? Yes. Even plenty of parking so you can roll up with that kayak or pack a big picnic feast. If you're planning on camping here, also plan on booking at least 6 months in advance or more if possible. All the camping fills up fast and the best campgrounds go lightning quick. I ended up in the Quarry Pond campground, which is probably the worst. Honestly, if I were reviewing just the Quarry Pond Campground, it would probably get 3-stars. Good amenities, but you're pretty crammed in there. Sites are not terribly well maintained and mine didn't even have a spot of ground that was groomed for a tent. Also, you're a bit removed from the water so you either have to cross a busy road to get there, or take a 30 minute hike along the trail. In any case, it's right in the thick of things so I can hardly complain. Overall this is my "go-to" Washington State Park and I'll keep coming back year after year so long as I'm able. Love it and you will too. read more

We had driven through the majority of Whidbey Island before stopping here on a chilly January weekend. There was ample parking during this time but I can see this place getting really packed during the summer months. Since this is a state park, in WA State, there is a $10 day use fee or you can pick up a $30 Discover Pass which is good for one year at any WA State park. I highly recommend purchasing one as it'll quickly pay for itself. We did a few hikes through some of the paths that takes you through trees, etc. I'm glad I had worn the proper footwear. We also walked along the beach. It was a bit chilly but there is no such thing as bad weather... just poor choices in clothing. *grin* There are bathroom facilities available but I didn't use them so I can't comment on the condition they're in. There's also a swimming area with rows and rows of picnic tables with the availability of an outdoor warm shower. I'd love to come back here when it's warmer to paddleboard. Overall, we had a wonderful time and will definitely be back again soon. read more

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This is a nice park, just not during a summer weekend. It gets overcrowded with people looking to party on the beach. I have never been camping here, but see a lot of people doing that as well. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Plenty of nice space around the lake too, not just at the beach. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

Such a beautiful state park!!! I couldn't stop stopping, on our hike, to take in the views. It's a Monday in the fall, we can pretty early but were the only people around. Definitely worth a visit. There are lots of shorter hikes so even if you don't have a lot of time, a couple hours will be enough for some great scenery. read more

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Yes, there is "the bridge", but did you know there is an entire trail system on both shores waiting to be traversed? I recently decided to explore the north end. I parked at Bowman Bay, and hung the $30 per year, state parks, Discovery Pass on the rearview mirror. If you don't have one, by the way, you can buy a $10 day pass onsite. The campground and shore were busy with people grilling, playing games and socializing, but there were still lots of parking spaces to accomodate more people. (Hint: That's your cue to come on down!) A long pier on the bay was being used for crabbing. A seasonal sign indicated which fishing activity was allowed at the moment. Stand up paddleboarders and kayakers were braving the cold, but calm waters. I meanderd along the beach on the lighthouse loop trail. There were several offshoots from it, so if you're directionally challenged like me, you might be out there exploring for awhile. The beach trail I was originally on was covered by the tide on my way back, so I had to head up the hill. The trail itself was relatively easy to walk. There were lots of lookouts of the bridge, the Salish Sea, and the beautiful shoreline. I wish the state would provide more trail signs to keep people on the right trail and prevent possible destruction of the fragile landscape. I cut across to another trail which led me to the road where I could walk to and across the bridge. What a thrilling experience to cross the narrow pedestrian sidewalk on either side of the bridge. Even though it is only 180 feet up, the shear cliff dropoff to the water filled me with awe, especially since there is limited fencing (less than chest high). Squeezing by others was sometimes challenging. It would be great if there was one way traffic on each side of the pedestrian paths to avoid being shoved against the railimg to make way for baby strollers. I still have plenty of trails to lose myself and lots of months of remaining use on my Discovery Pass, so its highly likely I will be back. read more

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When we lived on Whidbey Island, I visited Deception Pass park a handful of times with my children. We have since moved out of state, but when we do visit WA, I make sure to drive north and pay a visit here. There are short trails throughout the park, mainly leading to the bridge or the water. There is an entrance fee for those who do not have annual (state) pass. When we visited this year, it was after 4:00 so there was no one at the gate booth. Always nice visit to a beautiful area. read more

This park has something for everyone. Just want to relax and sit on the beach, want to walk the beach and pick up rocks, want to have a picnic, want to camp, want to hike or want to have beautiful views. This park is for you because you can do all the above and more. read more

Right off crazy-busy State Route 20 is a gem of a tourist mecca called the Deception Pass State Park and Bridge. You'd be lucky as heck to find parking anywhere near the bridge, especially the "free" parts where you don't need to pay $10 for the one-day pass. Even the paid parking lot was always jammed with cars and you had to wait for someone to leave and it was a relatively small lot for the amount of people visiting this place day in and day out. A walk on the bridge is an interesting experience as it is very narrow and also famous for this fact. Do not attempt if you are claustrophobic or annoyed at strange people rubbing up against you as this a common occurrence. I thought I was smart by going out at 9 PM to view the sunset...surely it must be empty? BZZZT. Nope. Busy as hell but at least I got free parking in the free section. Stairways lead you either to the other side of the bridge or down to the beach. We attempted to go down to the beach at 930 PM because it was still light out but the light was fading fast. I could only imagine what this place looks like on a full moon night...will someone PLEASE post a photo on Yelp??? If you are startled easily, wear ear plugs while you attempt to take photos on the bridge as it is apparently funny for some locals to screetch and yell to startle tourists snapping photos so you'll drop your camera into the raging rip tides some hundreds of feet below you. It happened to me but they were not successful, thankfully. read more

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We walk our dog over here several times a week and love every part of this beautiful park!

Great park. Plenty of showers and bathrooms. Right by the a place where one can kayak. Plenty of trails to walk. Reserve your place(s) ahead of time and enjoy time with family. Do not take your bike to see the bridge. On the way there is a STEEP hill plus steps on the way. The ground is gravel, rocks and stumps. If you like getting your heart rate up and sweating, go ahead-you do you. It's better if you 1. Walk it slowly and enjoy the view or 2. Drive the car. read more

Came here to camp. It was so spectacularly beautiful. The scenery is just so amazing. I especially liked west beach. You get this breathtaking view of the waters from a higher ground. The camp ground facilities are pretty great. Everything is clean. The people camping here all were respectful. I observed that people did a good job cleaning up after themselves. We seriously enjoyed our weekend here. read more

Great to go in a sunny day! You can go anytime and is not too visitaded right know as the season read more

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Great place to check out if you are in the area. I went on a weekday after work hours and it was pretty quiet on one of the beaches (a bit busier on the other main one where the swimming are was). It's $10 to get into the park with a day pass. Also in case this is helpful, my phone thought I was in Canada because you are so close. Definitely worth the day trip to see the beautiful coast. read more

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

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One of the best parks in the state. Friendly people and beautiful scenery. You can visit for the day or plan an overnight stay.

This was a great place to stay for a short weekend. It is in a beautiful area. In sure in the summer when WA is hot this place stays cool with the evergreen trees and the breeze off the ocean. This park is great for kids and adults. The had a few hikes to do on the beaches, one off a lake and one off the ocean. We fished in the morning. We didn't catch anything but others caught some trout. Hiked to goose rock the highest point on whiskey island for a great view. Definitely worth it and we even had a bald eagle fly right overhead. On our drive out we stopped at the tide pools which was pretty cool. Campsite was amazing. It was big enough for an RV and a 6 person tent and you couldn't see other campsites which I love about a campground. Would definitely come back here! read more

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Such a beautiful scene, this is our 2nd time visiting. I always enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this place. It's about an hour and half north of Seattle. The bridge is a little scary but there barriers so you don't get hit by the cars and trucks. Pretty cool. Parking is at the end of the 2nd bridge which is $10/day. They also have bathroom facilities but be aware they are not pleasant. Have fun and take a lot of photos read more

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

A beautiful park to visit with friends and family for scenic views and a nice hike. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Whidbey Island!

We camped with our 30 foot travel trailer for four nights. The park is beautiful with scenic beaches, lake, and huge trees. The staff was great, and it's hard to beat the price of a State run campground.. read more

I've always loved visiting this park ever since I was a little child. I like how things have largely stayed the same. Peaceful and beautiful place. Weekends can get hectic here as the tourist traffic will bog down the highway 20 and parking can be a hit or miss. I recommend visiting here on weekdays if at all possible. Much better experience during the slower weekdays. read more

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Beautiful state park. Camping spot with water and electric. Flush toilets and pay showers. My only complaint was the noise from the airplanes which continued until 10pm! read more

Perfect area for a family hike! Not crowded and not hard. The lighthouse hike is the one to do. You get to walk along the beach and cliffs around the little "island". There is no lighthouse apparently haha but loads of pretty stuff to see. You can park down by the bay and walk from there. We saw otters, seals, and tons of little crabs. Part of the hike is through the forest which is really pretty. You get the occasional glimpse of the ocean until you reach the full view of everything. You can see the bridge that connects to Whidbey Island. The only downside was that this time the beaches had seaweed all over them and the sun was baking them... so it smelled... really bad... haha. Take up trip up here and then drive down the island after the hike! read more

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I have always loved road trips. I have always loved completely random trips. Ask anyone who knows me, I have a very odd sense of connection to my vehicles, and sometimes will spend hours in my car for no other reason other than to 'find myself' or 'recharge'. No plan, no destination, and often times I'm never more than a few miles from home just driving the familiar back roads. That I have a dear friend who loves those things as much as I do, and adds the adventurous nature of exploring the world around him and wanting to always try something new or different together, is an amazing gift and blessing in my life. So today, as we approached I-5, it was "we're at the 5, pick a direction" and north won out. Somewhere along the route Don had the fabulous idea of doing the Deception Pass/Whidbey Island. Some may say the weather would hamper such a trip, and it may have limited our desire to explore outside, but I'm not "some'. I can have just as much fun just driving with small stops than I can doing a full day hike. it's one of the often few upsides of being so relational. One of our first little stops was at Pass Lake. The lake was partially frozen over and we couldn't resist the urge for photo ops, tossing some rocks and poking at the ice. It was truly a beautiful sight. The odd resonating echo the rocks make as they hit and slide across the ice is a very unique thing. We had fun chatting up a couple who clearly had the same idea. Finding rocks was a challenge, it's clearly a popular past time when the lake freezes over. A few jokes about walking on the ice, or the possible photo op of Don falling INTO the water (which he vehemently refused to do----no artistic vision, i swear) the chill in the air had us running back to the heated seats of his car. We continued on to the definite standout in the trip. Deception Pass and the Bridge. The views are absolutely amazing here. The clear, green-blue water, the sharp rocks, the endless trees and stretching out before you the San Juans, and on a clear day, maybe even Canada in the far distance. Truly a sight to behold. Nature in her glory. There were few visitors to the area likely do to the weather, so a short hike through the trails was truly like walking completely alone in a virgin landscape. A little monkeying around (and ignoring 7 foot high safety rules) on the bridge, and some quiet soaking up of the fabulous views of the beaches, we walked back up to soak up some history and trivia tidbits about the bridge. Traveling farther onto the island, Don took a few random side roads to look at houses and fantasize about what each of us would do if we lived a life where these views greeted us each morning. We luckily happened upon a small (as far as we know unnamed) public slice of beach. It was easily 5 degrees warmer here than at the bridge, if not more, and enjoying a stroll exploring the sandy beaches and marveling at the views was a little easier and a lot less chilly. Through driving, we covered almost the entirety of Whidbey Island on the highway route, although part of that was somewhat of an accident when Don navigated us in the wrong direction from our intended route home. So busy talking and taking in the sights, I didn't make much of a navigator myself. The bonus of that little 'accident', was getting to return our path the same way we came at sunset, and travel through parts of the area in the dark. The sunset was allowed to peek through the parting clouds and was just wonderful. The mills/refineries of Anacortes and the area are hauntingly beautiful at night. The night cleared up just enough that we could marvel at the stars. Another little detour down a darker country road for the chance to take a gander paid off. Go alone. Go with a friend. Go with someone special. But don't let this little jaunt and all the offerings of Deception Pass, Whidbey Island and the surrounding area get left off your Bucket list. A return trip in the summer time and when Don's cleared by his doctor's for a full on hike is already on mine. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Air bubbles under frozen lake, photo by Don L - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

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Met some friends here for some hiking. Wow, this place was very cool!! We only had a few hours to spare so we only hiked one trail. Deception Pass is a very fitting name. Our friends kept leading us in circles because the trail was very deceptive! It was the most fun that I've had getting lost. We found some amazing spots for picture taking and got great exercise. Oh how I wish we had more time to explore Deception Pass State Park. So much to see, but too little time. Great investment for $10 Discover Pass parking. It is only about a 90 minute drive north from Seattle. Makes for a nice little day trip. Also it is on the way to the San Juan Islands. Highly recommend checking them out for some exercise and some breathtaking views!! read more

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4stars for it's beauty... What I enjoyed the most of my Saturday afternoon is my long nap on the beach. The relaxing sound of the water gave me comfort and put me in an instant coma. There is nothing greater than the simple things as such. There are several trails for the taking, book in advance if camping-- it's a must. I could've been here sooner but I'm glad I didn't drive up here on a Friday night because it was very noisy last night with all the jets flying by and so low. It wasn't relaxing for me as soon as it got dark, and people will agree with me in regards to this. Don't be discouraged, it is a great place for big families in my opinion. Rarely do big kids sleep when camping so I'm sure they will enjoy their experiences. Been there but so long ago... Anyway, I can digress so stop me now... However, It still is worth the visit to savor the view but I prefer to just visit during the day, have a picnic perhaps especially on a great weekend we just had this past. The sites are smaller than I'm accustomed to and there is hot shower! Hey.... That my Yelpers' is good news for all of you OCDs' out there. Teehee Take plenty of pictures, enjoy the nice fresh salty air along the shore and eat well. Life after all is a beautiful thing when you get breaks, time-out or what have you. read more

Deception Pass State Park - Buddy loves the outdoors getting super dirty and all smiles for selfies. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Oak Harbor, Washington

This has always been one of my favorite park in the past years, but it gets more and more crowded and dirty. The beach is beautiful and there is plenty of hiking and things to do around the park. The bridge parking is always a bit of a pain to find during the weekend, but you just have to bring patience. I wish the little park store at the beach would still sell ice cream and some cold drinks, not sure what happened to it? They also have a beach area for swimming and kayaking, I think you can even fish there, but I haven't tried that. The campground itself has changed a lot in the past years and we've stayed there almost every season once. The campground itself is very very busy and you have a lot of noise, now adding the naval base doing their fighter flights right above you. There are all kinds of different sites, many open and with little privacy, but some are really nice and a good size too. The bathrooms are not well kept up, I saw the same dirt in the same corners Friday through Sunday, we also ran out of toilet paper literally all the time. They fill it up once a day and by the time it is 10pm, half the stalls were out and there was nothing left in the morning. Empty both mornings! This is a big campground with lot's of people there on a weekend, so they should fill it up twice a day. I'm not sure if they only clean it again on Mondays, but they need to hose the place down twice a day and use some cleaner on weekends (our bathroom smelled horrible). I'm also surprised on how nasty people leave the bathrooms behind, this is a public bathroom and other people would like to use it as well. I still like the park a lot, so therefore, 4 instead of 3*, hope the park staff is able to keep up a bit more with the demands of such a busy park, it's otherwise super nice. read more

Last Saturday, I returned on the ferry from Friday Harbor a little after Noon. Spending only a half a day in the San Juan Islands is not cool and next time it will be a week or more. However, I had a 5:30 PM flight back to Oakland from Seattle and Gayle had been nice enough support my exploration at the expense of some of our already limited time together. I did have enough time though to drive back to Seattle via Whidbey Island. And right at the very start was the stunning and breathtaking scenery of Deception Pass and the bridge. And when you're on the bridge, it's scary too. The walkway is narrow, the barrier is low, and it's a long way down! Plus the traffic can be intense. By all means, keep your kids and pets close and use the under bridge walkway to get to the other side. And like the San Juan Islands, I did this park no justice either. Hiking, walking on the beach and other fun outdoor activities will have to wait for another time. read more

One of my favorite state parks in the area. The campground is good, individual sites and group sites are available. The vast variety of beaches are awesome. You can fish at Cranberry Lake, or hike across the highway up to Goose Rock, which has an amazing view. Want a great view of Deception Pass bridge, just hike the north beach area and you are almost right below it. It used to be better when they didn't charge for day use entry. read more

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Beautiful. The hiking trails are kept pretty clean. This is surprising considering the amount of foot traffic there is. There's even an area for campers and crabbers and fishers. I believe the camp site gets booked every summer so jump on that if that's your thing. I love the nature, but prefer to go home and sleep in my comfy bed at night. Not much elevation on the hikes, but still a nice few miles of strolling the trails through the trees and around the cliffs. Even saw a couple of orca whales swimming along the way. That's not something you see every day. Kid friendly. Minimal mosquitos, but lots of sand flies. This park requires a Discovery Pass. read more

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This is one of the best parks in the state of Washington. It's also the most popular, so make your campground reservations early. Very early. Many months early. It's enormous and if you choose carefully you can get a fairly private campsite, but many sites have little to no privacy. There's so much to do and see here and the diversity in the park means it's never boring. From sand dunes and wooded trails to beaches and bridges it's spectacular. Do not miss the steep hike from the North Beach to the Deception Pass Bridge. Do not miss walking over the bridge, and then don't be scared of going off the trail on Canoe Island. It's steep but spectacular, and a tip: the south end doesn't get many explorers. An interesting tidbit: You can see the Deception Pass Bridge in the movie 'The Ring' read more

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Am I the only person who's only giving Deception Pass 3 stars? I think so, but I don't care! Let's get the good part of the park out of the way. Well, it's just about everything. It's gorgeous. It is Washington states most popular state park for a reason. It's spectacular. From the lakes, Bowman Bay and Rosario beach on Fidalgo Island, to Deception Pass that connects Fidalgo and Whidbey, to the main park on Whidbey which has another lake, gorgeous forests (as does the park on Fidalgo) and absolutely stunning beaches. It's a rare gem. It's also my favorite park... but it's also my least favorite. Why, well. It's crowded. It's like Seattle traffic on a Friday night, crowded. Often, just getting into the park is a nightmare. This weekend, which was a nothing special summer weekend, we ended up turning around rather than waiting in the 30 car back up just to go through the ranger hut. Was there parking at the beach? I doubt it. Parking? Well, for a park this size its pretty generous. But that doesn't matter when all 5 million people in the Puget Sound region decide it's a good day to go the park! Camping is too close, but listening to the waves on the beach is nice. Honestly, I love this park, but so does everyone else and that's it's problem. It's loved too much. My favorite time of year to visit is actually winter. There aren't too many people (but there are always quite a few) and it's a lot easier to find parking. So, does rush hour Seattle Hell Traffic not phase you? Well then, this park is for you too, but if you like something a little more laid back, you may want to check out some of the other gorgeous State Parks Washington has to offer. They may not be as diverse as DPSP, but you'll feel more refreshed for having gone down the road a bit further. read more

My 6 mile run this afternoon and Deception Pass was my goal to and from the house! The pedestrian walkway is very narrow at the bridge but the view over looking the water is always breathtaking!! I hiked a trail down the bridge as my 3 mile break before making my 3 mile way back to the house. It was an awesome run today and the weather is just gorgeous! I am enjoying my visit on the Island!! =) read more

Few places are so close to civilization, yet get you the feeling of a rain forest nearby. This gorgeous park is a fun hike, featuring scenic views and emersed in nature. Don't forget to stop by! read more

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This place is wild. Yet you can get to most of it just a short distance from your car, as the park straddles the skinny part of Whidbey Island. We stopped off at Deception Pass on the way to the ferry to Port Townsend. It has beachcombing and bluffs, beautiful views every which way you look, and big arbutus trees that look like overgrown bonsai jutting sideways from the cliffs. The tide was coming in so I missed taking a walk to check out the tidepools on Rosario Beach, but we did some easy hiking around the headland near Bowman Bay - watch your step; it's quite exposed in places and a long way down. The only thing breaking up the serenity of the tall trees and sound of the wind is the flybys by fighter jets from a nearby naval base, but even that was sort of cool because, well, we're Canadian and we're fascinated with all that Top Gun noise. Then you drive over the bridge spanning more crazy beautiful views, and there's another area with camping and a big beach great for log hopping and sitting in the sand and listening to more waves and watching fighter jets burn fuel. Again the park fee is $10 for the day or $30 for a year of visits to all the Washington state parks, but it's worth it. I'd love to come back from some kayaking in the summer. read more

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The drive over was surprisingly super smooth considering getting here around 9 am! It was super easy to find parking directly next to the bridge! After parking I was able to see the walking trails to go under the bridge very easily! I spotted a seal casually swimming in the ocean. Overall, I was so happily satisfied with the drive, and this will definitely be added to one of my many favorite places here in the PNW read more

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