Hike of the Week: Rosario Head

Enjoy sunset from Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park

Rosario Head

Depression Era Park grants joyous hiking opportunities




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

January 26, 2007

Quick Facts
Location: Fildalgo Island, Deception Pass State Park
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Green Trails Map: Deception Pass/Anacortes Community Forest Lands No. 41S
Access: From Burlington (exit 230 on I-5) head west on State Route 20 to Deception Pass State Park. Just beyond Pass Lake turn off onto Rosario Road then make a quick left for Bowman Bay. Follow this road .4 mile to day-use parking at the CCC Interpretive Center.
Notes: Dogs must be leashed

Rugged coastal headlands, placid coves, tidal pools, towering evergreens, and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains; Deception Pass State Park packs it in. The hike to Rosario Head is a good place to start for sampling this natural jewel. As one of the park’s rugged northern headlands, Rosario Head delivers spectacular views of straits and bays, the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains.
Begin your hike from the CCC Interpretive Center. If it’s open, you may want to check it before setting off. The center commemorates the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Great Depression Era federal program that put unemployed young men to work in our public lands. Hardworking Corps were stationed right here at Deception Pass transforming this corner of Washington into a prime state park. Trails, campgrounds, and sturdy structures throughout the park are all part of their legacy.
The trail to Rosario Head takes off west from the center. Under a canopy of stately firs and contorted madronas, the well-constructed trail climbs 100 feet up a steep hillside flanking Bowman Bay. Pass a series of fine outlooks before slowly descending, reaching Sharp Cove in .75 mile. Now, make the .3 mile loop around Rosario Head, but use caution, 50-foot cliffs on the west side drop straight to Rosario Straight. Savor sweeping views across salty waters to the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains. Sunsets here are spectacular, so consider lounging around. Once content, retrace your steps back to the interpretive center. Extend your sauntering by exploring Bowman Bay’s fine sandy beach. With nearly 40 miles of trails in the park, there are plenty of options for extending your hike-or for planning a return.