The Deception pass bridge connects Whidbey island to Fidalgo Island which form the gateway to the San Juan islands. This bridge falls on the western part of I-20, also known as the north cascade scenic highway. We had planned to visit the North Cascades National Park and while researching , found out that I-20 runs on the south end of the park and is also referred to as the scenic highway. So, when we traced I-20 to the west of the park, it went over many islands. Zooming in on the route in Google Earth, deception pass bridge emerged out of nowehere and looked awesome. So, we took a deroute to fit in this place also into our itinerary. We were glad we did so

As is the trend this time of the year, fall colours were at their best all along the route. We were admiring the scenery on a narrow stretch of the road, when we noticed that many cars had been parked on the side (not allowed on that strectch) and there were people looking at something. After crossing a line of trees, the spectacle came to our view. In one particlar place, there were thousands of ducks (or swans or geese, i am not an ornithologist). None of us had ever seen such a congregation of birds before. So, we also illegally parked our car and went over to take some photos.

After many twists and turns on the road, we reached the deception pass state park and pulled over to a viewpoint for our first look at the bridge.

We crossed over the bridge and parked on the viewpoint on the other side. There was a map with LOT of trails crosscrossing either sides of the bridge. You are allowed to walk on the bridge, which was very surprising, as compared to the high-cost security measures taken on Golden gate bridge in San francisco to prevent suicides. maybe, people wanting to commit suicide prefer to do so at famous locations! The water was way down below and all of us experienced a bit of vertigo for the initial few steps.

There are numerous small islands in this area. It somehow resembled the archipelago of thailand or malaysia when seen from the top of the bridge.

We went to the other side of the bridge and got down to the side to take some pictures encompassing the entire structure. But, it was very difficult even with a relatively wide-angled lens.

We went on one of the smaller trails which lead down to the beach by the side of the bridge. From there, the bridge looked imposing and awesome! If you visit this place, make sure to allot time for walking on few of these trails. Each of them would give you a different view based on the position of the sun.

• Enter the Mount Rainier National Park from the Nisqually Entrance.
• Drive to the Kautz Creek Bridge.
• Drive to Longmire, walk the trail of the shadows and visit the Longmire museum.
• Go on the Carter Falls trail.
• Stop at Christine Falls.
• Drive through the Ricksecker Point Loop Road.
• Go on the short trail to Narada Falls.
• Visit the Paradise Visitor Center and go for any of the dozens of the trails. We went for the Myrtle Falls trail.
• Stop at the reflection lakes. (A must-visit!)
• Stop at the Box Canyon.

It was late evening by the time we finished all the above spots. But, if you have the time and interest, go for the “Grove of the patriarchs” trail and then return to Seattle either through Ashford and take the mountainous route through the White River side (East of the Park).

If you think i have spoilt the above photograph by appearing in it, here’s one without me

There are dozens of trails (short and long ones) starting from the Paradise visitor center and the map provided at the center is amazingly accurate as far as the details of the trails are concerned. This visitor centre at 5000+ feet is the highest point on the Mount Rainier mountain you can drive up to. So, it is no surprise that you are treated to magnificient views along with carpets of wild flowers.

We were waterfall crazy on that particular day and chose the Myrtle falls trail which is close to the skyline trail. It was a short walk (less than a mile) and the fall looked good with the mountain in the background.