This view from Scenic Heights shows Goose Rock at the left and Mt. Baker and the Oak Harbor Marina at the right.
Goose Rock is part of Deception Pass State Park at the northern tip of Whidbey Island. Climbing up to the 400 foot summit may be a stretch for some, but the views are worth it. The haze was not noticeable to the northwest but was very evident to the south.
There is a short hike that one can take from a parking lot near North Beach to the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center. It is relatively flat with gentle inclines.
The hike goes under Highway 20.
You can frequently hear the rumble of delivery trucks as they make their way to Oak Harbor. When you arrive at Cornet Bay, wander around a bit near the coastline for views of Mt. Baker.
There are plenty of trees to keep you looking skyward.
About midpoint on the hike, a branch goes north and up, to the top of Goose Rock.
The vege-
tation is lush.
The next time you are at Deception Pass State Park, drive toward North Beach. Park at a small area on the right at a curve in the road. Head out under the highway and enjoy the hike.
I was at the top of Goose Rock, in the Deception Pass State Park, around 1 pm. While the fog had lifted inland, towards the San Juan Islands the fog was thick. I was taken with how the fog swirled around Deception Island.
A few hours later this was Deception Island as seen from the Deception Pass Bridge.
