Washington has a whopping 140 state parks, including 19 marine parks and 11 historical parks. And while that number isn’t really surprising when you consider how much we love nature, it’s still pretty impressive. Recently, Travel + Leisure compiled a list of the best state park in all 50 states, and we were happy to see that Deception Pass State Park made the cut for the Evergreen State. Spend even a few hours exploring it and you’ll likely agree.

Deception Pass State Park is located in the northwest region of the state, separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The park connects Skagit Bay with the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and it looks beautiful doing it.
This area has been home to several Salish tribes for thousands of years. But it was a group of Europeans who gave it the nickname Deception Pass.
Dennis D / TripAdvisor
A group of sailors led by Joseph Whidbey came across it in 1792. It was George Vancouver who called it Deception Pass because the area made it seem like Whidbey Island was a peninsula.
The park, which was officially established in 1923, is best known for the Deception Pass Bridge.
JT Wall / Flickr
And while the views from the bridge are certainly spectacular, there's so much more to discover here.
This is one of the most visited parks in the state, hosting an estimated two million visitors each year.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Quite a few of those guests are locals, although plenty of people come from out of state (and Canada) to see it.

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Come for the day and experience the abundant hiking trails, beaches, tide pools, picnic areas, and views...
Dennis D / TripAdvisor
... or, better yet, enjoy the campground and spend the night.
Jeff Hanway / Flickr
Make a reservation online at washington.goingtocamp.com before you go. As you can imagine, campsites fill up fast.
The park spans 4,134 acres and offers 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes.
paweesit / Flickr
There are even 10 islands within the park, one of which is partially privately owned. How lucky can you get?
If you've never been to Deception Pass State Park, do yourself a favor and do more than drive over the bridge.
chefjeff60 / TripAdvisor
If you can, stay for sunset. This photo should be enough to convince you.

Have you ever been to the best state park in Washington? Learn more by visiting the Deception Pass State Park website.

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Featured Addresses
Deception Pass State Park, 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA