Deception Pass

Deception Pass was named by Captain George Vancouver, one of the first explorers of Washington State.  Originally thinking Whidbey Island was a peninsula, Vancouver realized his mistake and named the strait Deception Pass.  Whidbey Island is named after his partner, Joseph Whidbey, who was there when he made the mistake. 

In 1925, an act of Congress dedicated property from the area (now known as Deception Pass State Park) for public recreational purposes.  Roads, trails, buildings and bridges were added in the 1930s.  Now, Deception Pass State Park covers over 4,000 acres of forests, wildlife, and freshwater beaches.  It is known for its beautiful scenery as well as its historical background. 

Pomeroy Living History Farm

The Pomeroy Living History Farm is an educational museum that depicts farming life in the 1920s.  Positioned in Clark County, it is located in what was once farming country.  As the land around is urbanized, the Pomeroy Living History Farm provides historical experience but also stands as a heritage resource. 

It is a non-profit museum that is run by five staff members and about twenty volunteer workers.  The workers dress in period clothing and help visitors perform typical farm activities.  Although the activities are chosen by age, some examples are grinding grain, feeding and watering the livestock, washing clothes, and making ropes. 

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

In 1987, news of a Canadian gold strike brought settlers across the U.S. to the Pacific Northwest.  Seattle was filled with people on their way north to seek their fortunes.  The hopeful miners purchased food, clothing, and equipment.  Although the gold strike ended a few years later, it boosted Seattle’s reputation as the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest. 

Today the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park stands as a memorial to the gold seekers.  Only a few returned rich.  Many died on the trail, ill-prepared for cold weather.  Others made it to Yukon Territory only to leave a few months later, broke and down-hearted.  The Klondike Gold Rush is remembered as the last great adventure of the 19th century.