Deception Pass Bridge
Oak Harbor, WA
A 1935 steel bridge high above a tidal channel where the current runs like a river. Park at the lots on either end and walk out on the narrow sidewalk.
The Deception Pass Bridge is a steel bridge of 1935 in Washington State, near Oak Harbor. It links Whidbey Island with Fidalgo Island across the narrow strait of Deception Pass, which is divided by little Pass Island: the Deception Pass Bridge (cantilever) leads to Pass Island, and the Canoe Pass Bridge (steel arch) continues to Fidalgo Island. It was dedicated on 31 July 1935; young workers of the Civilian Conservation Corps took part in parts of the project.
The bridge is about 453 metres long overall and, depending on the tide, roughly 55 metres above the water. At ebb and flood the currents reach up to 9 knots in Deception Pass and 10 knots in Canoe Pass. The name stems from the discovery of 1792: Joseph Whidbey, navigator under Captain Vancouver, showed that the supposed bay was a passage.
On both sides of the roadway runs a footway about 0.9 metres wide. The bridge carries around 20,000 vehicles a day. Parking nearby requires a day pass or Discover Pass (check the price in advance).
- Nearest town
- Oak Harbor, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 48.4062, -122.6434
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Thousand Trails La ConnerMotorhome stopover4 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Washington Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- Doe Bay Resort & RetreatCampsite17 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Burlington / Anacortes KOAMotorhome stopover17 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Larrabee State Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Camano Island State Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Deception Pass BridgeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Deception Pass Bridge?
Deception Pass Bridge is in Oak Harbor, WA, at GPS 48.4062, -122.6434. It is about 7 mi from Anacortes.
Can you camp near Deception Pass Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cascadia Marine Trail Campsite - Deception Pass State Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 72 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Deception Pass Bridge?
Deception Pass Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: San Juan Islands by ferry.
What is there to see near Deception Pass Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Larrabee State Park (18 mi), Port Townsend Historic District (21 mi), Mount Constitution (21 mi) and Lime Kiln Point State Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Deception Pass Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)