Boating at the Park

As one of the best boat launch areas from which to explore North Puget Sound, Canada and beyond, Deception Pass Park also offers two easily accessible, fresh water lakes for boating, scenic views and sometimes challenging kayaking.

Cornet Bay has a six-lane boat launch with large parking areas nearby. From this launch, boaters can gain access to the Pass and nearby islands.

Bowman Bay has a one-lane boat launch offering access to Bowman Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is muddy and shallow at low tides.

Cranberry Lake has a car-top boat launch near West Beach for human powered or electric motor boats. The lake is popular for trout fishing.

Pass Lake is a quality fly-fishing lake and has an area for launching human-powered boats. Catch and release only.

Kayaking in the quieter waters of the park area is a great way to see the spectacular shorelines up close and personal. In addition the park’s two freshwater lakes, Bowman Bay and Cornet Bay are calm, saltwater inlets that are ideal for human-powered boating. Kayaking in the Pass itself requires high-level skills and an awareness of the inherent hazards.

For information about boating permits, please visit http://parks.wa.gov/fees/