Completed in 1935, Deception Pass Bridge, a steel cantilever-truss beauty built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which also built many other park structures. The bridge towers 182 feet above the water. It’s estimated that each year more than three million people stop at the bridge to peer over the edge at the turbulent water and whirlpools far below, or to enjoy the sunset vistas.

The best view of this architectural marvel, though, is from below. Check out the trusses from their underbelly at the south end of the bridge. The beach below is accessible by taking the road to the North Beach picnic area.

Bowman Bay is just north of the bridge on the west side of the highway and has campsites, a boat launch, and a fishing pier. Also here is the CCC Interpretive Center (Thurs.–Mon. summers only), inside one of the attractive stone structures built by the young men of CCC.

Rosario Beach, just north of Bowman Bay, features a delightful picnic ground with CCC-built stone shelters. The Maiden of Deception Pass totem pole here commemorates the tale of a Samish girl who became the bride of the water spirit.