Winter is a great time to see Deception Pass. The summer crowds are gone, the water churns through the narrow channel, and the forest trails are quiet and green. If you’re staying in Old Town Stanwood, it makes an easy day trip north through the Skagit Valley.

Here’s how to plan a day at one of Washington’s best-known state parks, with a warm, quiet place to come back to at night.

About Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park covers about 4,000 acres on Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island, with 14.6 miles of saltwater shoreline, three lakes and about 38 miles of hiking trails. The park is about two hours from Seattle, and much closer if you’re already up north in Stanwood.

The star of the show is the Deception Pass Bridge. It was completed in 1935, stands 180 feet above the water, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking out on the bridge and looking down at the current is a memory most visitors keep.

Easy Winter Walks and Beaches

You don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy the park. A few favorites:

• West Beach and the Sand Dunes Trail: an easy 0.8-mile loop with dune and water views. Part of the trail has had a storm-damage closure, so check conditions before you go.
• Rosario Beach: home to the Rosario Head tide pools on the Fidalgo Island side.
• Bowman Bay to Lighthouse Point: a roughly 5-mile outing that pairs well with Rosario Beach.
• Goose Rock: about 4.3 miles to the highest point on Whidbey Island.
• Hoypus Point: a less crowded option on the Whidbey side.

North Beach, Cornet Bay, Cranberry Lake and Pass Lake round out the park.

Tips for Visiting in Winter

• Bring a Discover Pass. You need one to park anywhere in the park. You can buy a one-day or annual pass online or at pay stations in the park.
• Go early. Winter hours run from 8 a.m. to dusk, and it gets dark early this time of year.
• Expect some closures. Some facilities, parking lots and trails close from late fall through winter, and the interpretive center is closed seasonally.
• Dress for wind and rain. Layers, a rain jacket and shoes with good grip make the day much more fun.

Check the Washington State Parks website before you head out for current hours and trail conditions.

Make It a Skagit Valley Loop

Stanwood sits right between Camano Island and the Skagit Valley, so it’s easy to turn your trip into a full day out. Head north through the farmland, stop in La Conner or Mount Vernon for lunch or a browse through the shops, then continue west to the park. On the way home, keep an eye out over the fields. Winter is when the Skagit Valley’s snow geese and swans are around.

Come Home to The Retro Willows

After a cold, windy day on the water, The Retro Willows is a cozy place to land. It’s a renovated one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an 1890 Victorian landmark in Old Town Stanwood.

• A bathtub for a long soak after the trails
• A queen Lull mattress and room-darkening shades for a good night’s sleep
• A full kitchen and coffee bar for an early breakfast before you head out
• Fast Wi-Fi, a workspace and AC
• Keyless entry, free parking and laundry on site
• Sleeps up to 4, with shops, cafes and a grocery store within walking distance

Good to know: the apartment is up one flight of stairs, pets are not allowed, and quiet hours start at 9 PM. Questions? Call or text 360-913-5965.