2023 Summer Program Schedule
June 16 – September 2
| Monday – Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 10:30 AM Summer Hike Series 3:30 PM Jr. Ranger Program 6:30 PM Jr. Ranger Activity 7:00 PM Evening Program |
12:30 PM Seaside Stories 7:00 PM Game Night |
8:00 AM Bird Walk 10:00 AM Dune Discovery 11:30 AM/1:30 PM/3:30 PM Junior Ranger Program |
Program Descriptions
Summer Hike Series
Monday – Thursday: 10:30 AM
Saturdays: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM
Various locations, see below.
Come take a hike with staff! Explore our favorite park trails and have fun.
Marine Mammal Monday (Rosario Beach Bathrooms)
Do you want to see some of those notorious marine mammals? Head out to Rosario for a quick and easy walk to Rosario Head where you will spend time with staff searching for, and learning about, some of the marine mammals that can be found in the Salish Sea.
0.5-mile roundtrip with approximately 100 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1.5 hours.
Trail Tuesdays (Bowman Bay Boat Launch)
Join staff for a park fav! Meet at the Bowman Bay boat launch before heading out to Lighthouse Point. Ask questions about the area and learn new things about the park as you explore.
2.0-mile round trip with approximately 240 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1.5 hours
Wednesday Summits (South Bridge Parking Lot)
Summit the highest point on Whidbey Island with staff on this weekly adventure hike. We will be meeting in the South Bridge parking lot at 10:30 am every Wednesday to summit Goose Rock. This is a moderately challenging hike.
1.0-mile roundtrip with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1.5 hours
Throwback Thursdays (Amphitheater)
Take a hike back in time as you traverse the North Beach trail from the amphitheater to the bridge. Discover the history of the park’s famous bridges, identify native plants, listen to birds, and watch for whales. This trail has everything!
1.8-mile roundtrip with approximately 120 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1.5 hours.
Bird Walks (Saturday, 8:00 AM, Lake Store)
Look for the birds who live in the Park on this informal walk with park staff.
0.5-1.0 miles roundtrip with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1 hour.
Dune Discovery (Saturday, 10:00 AM, West Beach Shelter)
Explore the sand dunes interpretive trail and discover the unique habitats of the park.
0.5 miles roundtrip with approximately 0 feet of elevation gain. Expected to take 1 hour.
Junior Ranger Program
Monday – Thursday: 3:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM
North Beach Amphitheater
Join staff in fun, family friendly explorations of Deception Pass State Park’s amazing wildlife and unique collection of forest and marine habitats. Programs last 30 to 45 minutes and are designed for ages 4 to 12, though all are welcome. Children attending Junior Ranger Programs must be accompanied by an adult.
Steller animals of the sea
Play games and learn about Sea Lions! Discover family relationships in the sea are not all that different than our own.
Catch Ya Later, Pollinator!
Curious about bees? Join us to learn about the priceless role that these important pollinators play in the Deception Pass ecosystems and our own human survival.
It’s not a boulder, it’s a rock!
Did you know that Deception Pass was once covered by ice? Join staff to learn about the most recent ice age and how glaciers shaped the natural features we see in the park today.
Clone wars underwater
Dive underwater to discover a world not all that different than Star Wars! In the tide pools of Deception Pass State Park small aggregating anemones can be seen covering the rocks. Learn about these fascinating animals and how they survive the changing tides.
Forest food frenzy
Come discover the fascinating food connections of the forests. Learn about a variety of our forest friends and how they rely on one another to thrive in their special homes!
Track discovery hunt
Put on your detective hat as we discover common animal tracks found in the park. Learn about these animals and how we can explore their homes without causing harm.
Junior Ranger Activity
Monday – Thursday, 6:30 PM
North Beach Amphitheater
Stop by the amphitheater before the Evening Program to complete a fun theme-based craft. Pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet or turn in a completed one for a badge. Staff will start packing up materials at 6:55pm to prepare for the next program.
Evening Program
Monday – Thursday, 6:30 – 7:00 PM
North Beach Amphitheater
Join staff, after dinner, for family friendly evening programs. Programs are 30 minutes in length and cover a variety of park topics. All ages are welcome.
What’s up with whales
Discover the beneficial role whales play in our environment. Learn about the various whales who call the Salish Sea home, their massive size and their colorful life supporting poop!
Forest communities
What do you look for when you move to a new community? Can we find those same characteristics in our forests? Come find out as we explore the essential communities that forests create at Deception Pass.
Wilderness must be explored!
Do you enjoy hiking, camping, or exploring parks? Join staff to discover how to plan before you head outside. Main topics will focus on hiking preparedness and how we can all protect these special places while we adventure.
A tale of two bridges
Take a journey back in time to uncover the complicated history of the Deception and Canoe Pass bridge. Learn of the visionary thinkers and community partnerships that led to the construction and discover how your visit to the park might be different if these iconic bridges were not in place.
Ferries of the pass
Have you ever wondered what the park was like before the bridge? Join us for a journey to the past where we will discover how the island was once navigated by a small, determined woman and her ferry.
Party in the park after dark
Every year, hundreds of people visit the park hoping to see the bioluminescence. Join staff, as we explore this amazing natural phenomenon.
Seaside Stories
Friday, 12:30 – 1:30 PM
West Beach
Listen to park stories and learn about the amazing animals that live in the park.
Game Night
Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM (or sunset)
North Beach Amphitheater
Come hangout with staff between 7:00-9:00pm or sunset at the amphitheater. Play yards games, complete crafts, or enjoy s’mores.
