PNNST: Deception Pass Alternate Route

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This is a way to shorten your hike along the PNNST. If you were to take the normal route, you would have traversed 13.4 miles vs 8.7 miles. This trail will take you through sand dunes, forests, beaches, and past an 800-year-old tree. This path will also give you an opportunity to get a great shot of the Deception Pass Bridge.

Keep an eye open for the 800 year old tree at mile 1.7ish.

This is an alternate route to the primary Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail-Whidbey Island segment. It takes you through the heart of Deception Pass State Park and requires more hiking along highway than the main route.

However, this is a great option for a few reasons:
1. Along the route is a Douglas Fir over 800 years old!
2. Fewer people take this route.
3. Along the route is a seasonal produce stand 'The Stand' which is a great local place to stop in.
4. You are closer to traffic, and subsequently safer from two legged sharks (which are not a big problem anyway, but if that is a concern of yours, then this is the route for you).

To start, take the North Beach Trail west all the way to West Point, as the trail winds through the woods paralleling the shore. Once you get to West Point, turn left to cut through the parking lot heading south. Follow the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail until it turns left; here you should stay straight to continue on the route. You'll follow along the beach for a while before reaching Surfcrest Drive.

Follow the road until you reach an intersection; take a left on Powel Rd, then take a right on Moran Rd. Follow this until it becomes Banta Rd. You'll eventually intersect with SR 20 (State Route 20). Follow the highway until you reach in intersection with Ault Field Rd. You can easily recognize it by the two large planes on display. Take a right and follow instructions for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (Deception Pass-Keystone).

Happy trails!

Deception Pass State Park: parks.state.wa.us/497/Decep…

Deception Pass Foundation: deceptionpassfoundation.org/

Ferns, dune grass, pines, deer, and more!

There used to be a searchlight and guns from the Fort Casey era located on Gun Point and West Point.