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

Deception Pass

Photographed by Kim E. Kimmy, regent Ann Washington Chapter NSDAR

1. Deception Pass Marker after restoration in 2023 by the Ann Washington Chapter NSDAR

Inscription. Named by Captain George Vancouver 10 June 1792. Feeling that he had been “Deceived” as to the nature of the inner waterway, Port Gardner (now Saratoga Passage) he wrote on his chart “Deception Pass”. He honored Master Joseph Whidbey, who found the passage while commanding a small-boat or explorers, by naming the island “Whidbey”.
Historical Data by
Edmond S. Meany
Velocity of currents in Deception Pass 5 to 8 knots per hour. Depth varies 4 to 37 fathoms. 1 knot 6982.66 feet. 1 fathom 6 feet.

Erected 1935 by Daughters of the American Revolution, Ann Washington Chapter.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1792.

Location. 48° 24.458′ N, 122° 38.657′ W. Marker is in Oak Harbor, Washington, in Island County. It is on Deception Pass Bridge (Washington Route 20). This marker is located on Pass Island which is between the northern and southern sections of the Deception Island Bridge. Touch for map

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. 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: Crossing the Pass (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Deception Pass (a few steps from 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); a different marker also named Deception Pass (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); Douglas Fir (approx. 5.7 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.

Deception Pass Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

2. Deception Pass Marker

Photographed by Mike Garland, March 26, 2019

3. Deception Pass Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

4. Deception Pass Marker

"Crossing the Pass" plaque in the background.

Deception Pass and Deception Pass Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 31, 2012

5. Deception Pass and Deception Pass Bridge

The Ann Washington Chapter celebrating the Deception Pass marker. image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Ann Washington Chapter NSDAR., January 10, 2026

6. The Ann Washington Chapter celebrating the Deception Pass marker.

Deception Pass Marker marker scrapbook page, Ann Washington Chapter. image. Click for full size.

January 10, 2026

7. Deception Pass Marker marker scrapbook page, Ann Washington Chapter.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,472 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 27, 2023, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. 2. submitted on November 6, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on February 6, 2023, by Mike Garland of Hillsboro, Oregon. 4, 5. submitted on November 6, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6, 7. submitted on January 10, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.