Rosario, Deception Pass State Park, 2026

 

 

 

 

  The Indian maid statue, Rosario, Deception Pass State Park

 

The same day we visited Washington Park we drove across the Deception Pass bridge and on to Deception Pass State Park, Rosario.  The Discover Pass or a day fee is required here.  The park has a picnic area, a modern flush toilet restroom, and access to the small beaches on each side of the peninsula.  The Indian Maid statue with information placards explaining her story is located right at the beach access and the trail up to a territorial view point.  The trail is steep but short.  The views from the top are beautiful especially on a nice sunny day.

 

 

Looking north toward the San Juan Islands from the top at Rosario

 

  

This is another trail we often do at the beginning of hiking season.  This day we saw lots of blue camas in full bloom, more of the Spring Gold, Star Flower, Madrone trees in bloom, red grass, and something we think is Pacific Sanicle.  Pacific Sanicle is common in the area and grows amid Camas and Sea Blush. 

 

Blue Camas growing with Spring Gold

 

 

 

Madrone tree in bloom

 

 

 

Star Flower

Red Grass

 

We see this plant often here and at Goose Rock, another part of the Deception Pass Stake Park.  It probably has an official name but I have just been calling it red grass.  It is pretty and catches the eye since it is red and among the gray rock, green and brown everywhere else.

 

 

 

 

    Pacific Sanicle ?  

 

On the drive home we stopped in Mt. Vernon for milk shakes.

 

Count for the day:

14 people, 6 dogs

RT a loop of about ½ mile

Discover Pass required