Oak Harbor in Island County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Deception Pass

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

1. Deception Pass Marker

Inscription. To the north of this narrow passage is Fidalgo Island, so named for the Spanish explorer, Lieutenant Salvador Fidalgo. To the south is Whidbey Island, second largest island in the contiguous 48 states, which Captain George Vancouver, while exploring this region in 1792, first thought to be a peninsula. Further exploration conducted by him disclosed the existence of this intricate channel. Upon realization that he had been deceived as to the character of the large island, Vancouver gave to this channel the name of Deception Passage and in naming the island he honored his trusted officer, Joseph Whidbey.

Erected by Washington State Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.

Location. 48° 24.274′ N, 122° 38.683′ W. Marker is in Oak Harbor, Washington, in Island County. It is on Deception Pass Bridge (Washington Route 20). This marker is located in the pull-out at the south end of the Deception Pass Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42999 Deception Pass Bridge, Oak Harbor WA 98277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region

and in Greater Seattle.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Deception Pass (within shouting distance of

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this marker); a different marker also named Deception Pass (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Deception Pass (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crossing the Pass (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Deception Pass (approx. 0.4 miles away); U.S. Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Memorial (approx. 4½ miles away); Douglas Fir (approx. 5.9 miles away); Town of La Conner 1873-1914 (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oak Harbor.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

2. Deception Pass Marker

Deception Pass image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

3. Deception Pass

Deception Pass Bridge, north side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

4. Deception Pass Bridge, north side

Deception Pass Marker (back) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 19, 2014

5. Deception Pass Marker (back)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 768 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on May 29, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.