Deception Pass State Park (Bowman Bay)

Bowman Bay offers a convenient saltwater launch for paddlers and small boaters accessing Deception Pass and the surrounding Salish Sea. **Currently, the ramp is closed to trailered vessels, but kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards have full access.** The launch is ideal for timing current play during ebb flows through the pass. Located within Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes, the site provides parking with day-use fees available at pay stations in nearby lots.

The bay itself provides protected waters and access to diverse paddling opportunities, from sheltered exploration to more challenging tidal passages. Nearby features include scenic Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve and Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, with its extensive seagrass meadows and tidal flats. Note that trail sections at Bowman Bay have sustained storm damage, so check current conditions before your visit. The park also operates additional freshwater and saltwater ramps if conditions at Bowman Bay warrant alternatives.