In 1790, Spanish explorers sailed through what they named the Strait of Juan de Fuca into what would be called Puget Sound, and saw what they believed was a long peninsula extending into the Sound. Two years later, a British Royal Navy expedition led by George Vancouver was sailing around the world, and spent extended time in the Sound. Vancouver, too, believed a long peninsula extended from the mainland.
Fidalgo Island seen across Deception Pass
The expedition’s second in command, Joseph Whidbey, explored the area in a smaller boat and found a treacherous, narrow passage through the peninsula. Having deceived them, Vancouver named it Deception Pass. Whidbey then got the island named after him. Vancouver would soon find out the much bigger land mass to the west was also an island, and would name that after himself.
Deception Pass from Whidbey Island
The land on either side of the pass—now connected by a bridge—is protected and called Deception Pass State Park. Wonderful paths, many established by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s, cross through the heavily forested land rising out of the Sound.
Goose Rock Perimeter Trail, Deception Pass State Park
When the trail left the thick forest, wildflowers filled the area along the path.
And succulents bloomed in the rocky areas.
Soon the trail returned to the forest with morning light leading the way.
Deception State Park, Washington