Access limited at Park: West Beach

Washington State Parks notes that “Your visit to Deception Pass State Park will look a bit different this year as park staff steward its recovery from winter storms.”

In January 2024, the West Beach parking lot was damaged in several areas and littered with large debris. Ahead of the park’s busiest seasons, park staff is planning to create limited day-use parking availability in an undamaged area of the lot. This work will tentatively be completed in early May, permit timelines allowing.

The reduced lot will have a small drop-off area. RVs, trucks with trailers and boats will not be able to enter the reduced parking lot and must use other parking areas. Alternative parking will still be available in the East Cranberry Lake parking lot, approximately one mile away.

Addressing the damage to the West Beach area has two components: short-term cleanup of debris from part of the parking lot to re-establish some parking in anticipation of the park’s busy season, and long-term planning for sustainable redevelopment of this area.

The West Beach parking lot is located near a delicate shoreline. Repairing the storm damage and moving any debris requires special permitting and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

The park anticipates reduced parking at West Beach will put stress on other parking areas and create increased traffic within the park. Day-use visitors need to plan their visits ahead and arrive early, as parking is expected to fill up quickly. Day-use parking is not allowed in campgrounds and any unauthorized parking may result in a ticket.

Parking along State Route 20 is not permitted and is extremely dangerous.

The park will still offer summer programming for visitors, such as interpretive walks, Junior Ranger programs, and other activities from Memorial to Labor Day weekends. Popular programs such as the American Roots Concert series are still scheduled for the summer, though visitors should plan to check the park’s website for recommended concert parking.