The most visited state park in Washington was recently recognized nationally for the beauty of its varied landscapes and stunning vistas.

Deception Pass State Park was ranked the fifth most beautiful state park in the country by Travel Lens, a worldwide online travel publication.

The publication analyzed data from Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews to determine its rankings. According to the list, just over 61% of reviews about Deception Pass State Park mentioned its beauty.

“Deception Pass State Park’s beauty knows no bounds,” Deception Pass Park Foundation President Emily Gilbert said. “From the top of Goose Rock to the tide pools at Rosario Beach, it’s clear that our favorite park is a winner.”

Gilbert, a former News-Times reporter, added that she was surprised it didn’t rank even higher. Deception Pass was surpassed in the percentage of aesthetic reviews only by Hocking Hills in Ohio, Grayson Highlands in Virginia, Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont, and No. 1 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness in Michigan.

“I bet it will claim the top spot next year after our wonderful volunteers accomplish their many beautification projects this spring,” Gilbert said.

The marine park covers more than 3,800 acres on the Island and Skagit county sides of the historic Deception Pass Bridge, which is one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. It has 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes.

Gilbert said park volunteers will carry out weekly cleanups on Wednesday mornings and complete landscaping projects near the front gate, the administration building and other locations throughout the park.

Park manager Jason Armstrong said park maintenance is a huge undertaking that staff continually work hard at. Between the 40 miles of trails, 127 buildings and structures and multiple campsites, keeping the park beautiful is no small feat.

“It takes the effort of all permanent and seasonal staff to accomplish this,” Armstrong said.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the park can find more information at deceptionpassfoundation.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Photo by Deception Pass Park Foundation Deception Pass State Park offers some of the most gorgeous vistas in Washington state.

Photos provided Deception Pass State Park was ranked the fifth most beautiful in the nation by Travel Lens.

Photos provided Deception Pass State Park was ranked the fifth most beautiful in the nation by Travel Lens.