Welcome to the Deception Pass Bridge! This iconic structure was built in just under one year, from August 1934 to July 31, 1935, and depending on the tide sits about 18 stories above the water. It is comprised of two sections--a 511-foot structure from Fidalgo to Pass Island and a 975-foot structure from Pass Island to Whidbey Island. It is now the crown jewel of the park and receives over two million visitors annually.
The posted coordinates are on Pass Island. To claim this virtual cache, take a photo of yourself or a personal item (GPS, stuffed animal, etc.) at the posted coordinates with the Deception Pass Bridge in the background. Post the photo in your log. Please do not send me a message with the photo. Logs without photos at the coordinates will be automatically deleted.
Please be careful at the GZ! The rocks are slippery when wet. I will accept photos taken a few feet north of the coordinates (still with the bridge in the background) if you are concerned about safety.
This cache is only available during park hours below:
Park Hours:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
This bridge is a popular tourist destination and becomes crowded during the summer months, especially on the weekends. I recommend visiting during the week or early on weekend mornings to avoid muggles.
Why I chose this location
I was lucky enough to have received a virtual reward in March of 2022. I was also lucky to have grown up in a park ranger cabin at Deception Pass State Park. This cache is a tribute to my stepfather, Hendrik (Henk) Sikkenga, who was a park ranger at Deception Pass from 1990 until losing his battle with cancer in 2009.
Henk did not have the typical upbringing that would lead to a career as a park ranger. Born in Heerlen in the Netherlands, Henk was the youngest of six children in a musically talented family. At the age of 15, he left home and after six years earned a Master's Degree in music from the Maastricht University, specializing in classical guitar. He spent the next 15 years performing for troops with the USO in Europe and North Africa. Henk arrived in the US in 1978 and taught music theory and classical guitar at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. He then moved to Snohomish County and became a firefighter-EMT while simultaneously becoming a well-known local musician. His interest in serving others and the outdoors led him to become a park ranger where he served at Flaming Geyser State Park near Auburn, Larrabee State Park in Bellingham, and finally Deception Pass. Henk also managed the nearby Cornet Bay Retreat Center, which is home to the "Henk Sikkenga duplex" in his honor.
From the Washington State Park and Recreation Commission: "Henk was a dedicated public servant, arts enthusiast, musician, father, and friend. Fluent in four languages, he frequently assisted park visitors or law enforcement agencies so people could understand each other. He also graced the stages of many community music events and provided acoustic accompaniment for several Washington State Parks-sponsored events. Although the classical guitar was his specialty, he played professionally on several other instruments as well. The church he attended was blessed to have him assist in their worship music. Henk was a large man, whose presence seemed even larger because of his good humor and kind spirit. He made people around him feel warm and welcome. He was a credit to this agency and a friend to all."
Henk fostered my love of music and I have fond memories of him teaching music lessons at the cabin, coaching the local youth symphony, and constantly going out of his way to help others. He was truly one-of-a-kind.
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Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.