Ranger Tales
Rosario Head

Rosario Head

The story

A short grassy climb opens onto a wind-combed point where the land ends in rock and sky, the whole mouth of the pass spread before you. The walk out is gentle; the full loop runs narrow past unfenced cliffs.

That grassy spine climbing seaward ahead of you is Rosario Head. Follow it up and the forest opens onto a bald, wind-combed point, maybe a few minutes out, where the salt air hits you full and the ground simply ends in rock and sky. Off to the west, low and dark on the horizon, sits Deception Island. The whole mouth of the pass spreads in front of you, the Strait running silver toward the San Juans. Here's the honest part, and I mean it: the short walk out to the point is easy, flat-ish grass anybody can manage. But the full loop around the head is a different animal — moderate, narrow, and the cliff edges out here are unfenced, real drops to the water. If little ones are along, keep a hand on them and stay well back from the lip. Out to the point and back is the gentle version. Save the loop for sure feet.

Good to know
Where is Rosario Head?
Rosario Head. A short grassy climb opens onto a wind-combed point where the land ends in rock and sky, the whole mouth of the pass spread before you. The walk out is gentle; the full loop runs narrow past unfenced cliffs.
Is there an audio tour of Rosario Head?
Yes — Rosario Head is a stop on the Deception Pass State Park — The Driving & Walking Tour self-guided audio tour. The story plays automatically by GPS as you drive there, and works offline. Get the free Ranger Tales app on iPhone or Android.
🎧 Get the tour

Hear Rosario Head's story on the drive

Download the tour, leave your phone in your pocket, and let it play itself as you go. Works offline.

Buy the self-guided tour, or get it in the app.