We always like to visit Deception Pass at least once every year, and today it was calling us. Not much to add regarding the trails that hasn't already been said.

At least one restroom at Bowman Bay parking area is open, but the playground is blocked off. The trails are narrow, but the beaches and cliffs offer plenty of room to spread out. We first took the Lighthouse Point Loop which is in excellent condition. Wonderful views as always.

We added on the Lottie Loop on the way back toward the parking lot. One big tree across the trail that must be climbed over, and one section on the ascent that is a bit precarious where the trail is eroding and requires a big step upward. Very nice views of the bridge and the many boats passing by.

We spotted several small birds in the wooded areas, one tiny bunny, a few seals at the bridge viewpoint along the Lottie trail, and one squirrel.

Strung together four loops in Deception Pass State Park for a total 8.5 - 9 mile tour of the Fidalgo side of Deception Pass State Park.  At 8:15 am I was the second car in the Bowman Bay boat ramp parking area (CCC parking area closed).  I started off heading south from the parking area along Bowman Bay and hiked the trails in this order:

Lottie Point Loop -- best views of the bridge and Deception and Canoe Passes from this trail.  A little overgrown in places with bush branches hanging down from above.  Required some crouching (I'm 6' 5"), but not too bad.  

Lighthouse Point Loop -- my favorite of the four sections I hiked:  Beach access in a couple places, beautiful forest with madronnas and large Douglas Firs, and high bluffs with great Puget Sound, island, and Olympic Mountain views.

Pass Lake Loop -- headed up the trail that takes off uphill and to the left where the trail from Bowman Bay intersects with both the Lottie Point and Lighthouse Point Loops.  This trail gets quite close to Hwy 20 before reaching Pass Lake.  The highway mostly drowns out the sound of the creek that the trail parallels at this point.  The Lake itself is not overly spectacular and there really aren't many views of it along the loop trail other than where the trail crosses Rosario Road.  Other views are mostly filtered through trees.  This is the most aerobic of the four loops I did. The climb will get your heart pumping and the forest is pleasant.  

Rosario Head Loop -- after completing the Pass Lake Loop, I walked down Bowman Bay Road back to the parking area and then headed north on the Rosario Head Loop trail.  The CCC Interpretive Center is presently closed.  This loop, while pretty, felt the most like a city park to me and less like a true hike:  lots of large grassy areas with picnic tables, BBQs, and outbuildings, plus a drive up beach (Rosario Beach).  Impressive bluffs along Rosario Head and more Puget Sound views, but more civilization in those views from homes on a hillside to the north to a large industrial center well to the south (Boeing Everett?).  I like the Lighthouse Loop a lot better.

All the trails are in very good condition with no major obstacles.  I had an unexpected amount of solitude for Washington's most visited state park.  On Lottie Point Loop and Pass Lake Loop I encountered no one.  And very few on Lighthouse and Rosario Loops.  A really enjoyable outing.  The only negative I will mention (perhaps at some peril) is that beginning around 10:00 am +/-, the noise from jets and other aircraft from NAS Whidbey was nearly continuous with brief interludes of silence.  Sometimes very low and very loud flying.  I made mention of that to one of the few people I saw on Lighthouse Loop and he proceeded to inform me that what I was hearing was the "sound of freedom" and that I should just enjoy it.  So, to be clear, I don't dislike our disrespect our military, I simply mention it as it does detract from what could otherwise be (on much on these trails) a plausible near-wildnerness experience.  I'll be back to check out the Whidbey Island side of the park.

This is trail #2 for today. A few hikers already at Bowman Bay by 10am. Some with masks and social distancing. Several who were not. Pretty hike through woods, across a sandy isthmus, and rocky headlands. Lots of boats out on the water. Bathrooms open and stocked. I bet this gets really crowded in the summer.

Started down at Bowman Bay with about a dozen cars in the big parking lot  and headed to Reservation Head on the Lighthouse Point Trail. To my surprise before 10 am, there was more activity on the trail than expected. 

Had to take the headland trail to Lottie Bay as the tide was still going out in Bowman Bay. My plan was to take the beach on the way back closer to low tide. Beautiful views as usual and the trail was in good condition. The headland trail is steep and rocky, but not too long. 

Lottie Bay was emptying and noticed at least three seals frolicking in the water. Within minutes heard a big splash and water was flying in the middle of the Lottie Bay. Never did see what was going on but a seal was just in that area.

At the fork, headed west to Reservation Head to keep out of as much traffic as possible. Located nice groupings of sedum and twinflowers near Reservation Head. Took some time and just soaked in the sun and peace.

Picked up the Lighthouse Point trail again and headed to the trail's southern part along the waters of Deception Pass. As suspected, this is where groups were sitting or milling around. Kids, dogs, picnics, sunbathing, you name it. This side has a view of Deception Pass Bridge and plenty of balds to enjoy the full sun.

Left that area pronto and headed back toward Lottie Bay and Bowman Bay. Tide was out and spotted a couple eagles overhead. Also, a gaggle of Canadian Geese were taking a dip in Bowman Bay with another group flying high overhead in a V-formation honking.

It was nice to walk on beach since the tide out far enough now. Noticed a few families were on the beach letting the little ones blow-off steam. Returned to a parking area less than half full. Kayakers putting in and more people arriving. Perfect day for this hike weather wise.

a favorite easy hike with beautiful views everywhere.. the best part is pretty much all the trails are loops so you can do 2 miles or 20 .. spots overlooking the sound. saw seals, otter , and bald eagle.