Near PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route
Enjoy easy beach access from Deception Pass State Park.
Near PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route
Looking East at Deception Pass.
Near PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route
They say a photo is worth a thousand words, I think Deception Pass is worth a couple trillion.
Near PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route
Revel in this phenomenal view looking west near the bridge.
Near PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route
The North Beach Trail is quite steep leading up to the bridge.

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Hike Route

PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route

5.0 (1 Rating)
An alternate route for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail: Deception Pass-Keystone.
8.3
mi
Distance
406
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeLess CrowdedRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Deception Pass State Park closes at dusk.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.28mi
Distance
406ft
Elevation Gain
458ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
177ft
High Point
9ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This is an alternate route to the primary Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail-Whidbey Island segment. It takes you through the heart of Deception Pass State Park and requires more hiking along highway than the main route.However, this is a great option for a few reasons: 1. Along the route is a Douglas Fir over 800 years old! 2. Fewer people take this route. 3. Along the route is a seasonal produce stand 'The Stand' which is a great local place to stop in. 4. You are closer to traffic, and subsequently safer from two legged sharks (which are not a big problem anyway, but if that is a concern of yours, then this is the route for you).To start, take the North Beach Trail west all the way to West Point, as the trail winds through the woods paralleling the shore. Once you get to West Point, turn left to cut through the parking lot heading south. Follow the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail until it turns left; here you should stay straight to continue on the route. You'll follow along the beach for a while before reaching Surfcrest Drive.Follow the road until you reach an intersection; take a left on Powel Rd, then take a right on Moran Rd. Follow this until it becomes Banta Rd. You'll eventually intersect with SR 20 (State Route 20). Follow the highway until you reach in intersection with Ault Field Rd. You can easily recognize it by the two large planes on display. Take a right and follow instructions for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (Deception Pass-Keystone). Happy trails!Deception Pass State Park:https://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-PassDeception Pass Foundation: http://www.deceptionpassfoundation.org/
History & Background
There used to be a searchlight and guns from the Fort Casey era located on Gun Point and West Point.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Isaac Bozeman