OAK HARBOR, Wash. — Editor's note: The video above originally aired Jan. 11, 2024.
Washington State Parks said storm damage cleanup at Deception State Park could take until mid-April to be completed.
Portions of Whidbey Island’s Deception Pass State Park suffered significant storm damage after high winds and massive waves in January.
A local hiker, Susan McClung, said waves destroyed parts of the parking lot at West Beach. The waves and wind also damaged a memorial bench and picnic benches.
Washington State Parks closed the West Beach area and strongly encouraged the public to stay out of the closed areas for their safety and the safety of staff.
Parks said officials were able to meet last week and discuss the next steps. Parks said staff is beginning to open undamaged areas of the parking lot, including moving bumpers and restriping.
Deception Pass storm damage
Parks said it is in the process of obtaining the necessary permits and anticipating work to be completed in mid-April.
“We also sincerely thank the local community and our visitors for their patience and understanding,” Parks said in a statement.
McClung, who has been going to the park for more than 50 years, said she and her husband haven't seen anything like it.
“Never ever. We had driven to the park expecting to see probably some downed trees, which has happened before. But as we drove along the road and then started our hike, we didn't actually see a whole lot of we didn't see any down trees. There were a few branches down, but that's it. But at the beach, oh, my,” McClung said.