by Elizabeth Bentz
The final school bells have rung, the solstice has passed, and summer is here. Summertime at Deception Pass State Park provides something for everyone to enjoy! Think back to summers past. What do you love about summertime? What aspects of summer create the happiest of memories for you?
The Deception Pass State Park employees were asked these same questions and their reminiscences provide a glimpse into the wonders of summertime in the park. Rangers Watkinson and Shook enjoy the community of the park during the summer. The young families enjoying the park and the wonderful fishing and crabbing community provide a friendly and heartwarming atmosphere. Ranger Shook especially loves handing out Junior Ragner stickers to excited young kids! Both rangers also appreciate how summer provides a great opportunity for marine mammal watching. Orcas are often seen looking for salmon under the Deception Pass Bridge and harbor porpoises can be spotted playfully swimming near shore.
In addition to animals, the changing plants are a big summertime hit. Office Administrative Assistant, Thea Roe, loves the beautiful pink flowers that begin flourishing in June. Likewise, Interpretive Specialist, Joy Kacoroski, enjoys looking for seasonal wildflowers within the park, especially the Beargrass atop Goose Rock. Joy also loves the change that each summer day brings. From the morning marine layers, to bright afternoon sun, occasional rainstorms, and bioluminescence at night there is constantly something different to enjoy.
Other employees expressed excitement for the summer programs. Maintenance employee, Todd, is excited for the concerts in the park. The music and storytellers are the highlight of his summer at Deception Pass. Likewise, visitors are excited about a return to summer programming! This summer the interpretive program will be offering Junior Ranger programs and evening programs at the amphitheater. Additionally, we are excited to announce the return of the American Roots concert series. Concerts will take place on Saturday evenings starting the second weekend in July and run until the end of August. And finally, make sure to keep a close eye out for Grayson, the gray whale skull, who will surely be roaming the park this summer.
Summertime at Deception Pass State Park offers something for everyone. Pick your favorite activity and enjoy!
