• Open house at Cornet Bay Retreat Center

The public is invited to visit the Cornet Bay Retreat Center at Deception Pass State Park for an open house in March. The event will showcase the center and its many features to businesses, community members and event planners. The open house is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Deception Pass State Park, 400 Cornet Bay Road, Oak Harbor. (Driving directions.) During the open house, attendees can explore the center on their own, ask for a guided tour and take part in several interesting programs. The day’s programs include: • Junior Ranger activities at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. for children ages four to 12. • An introduction to the two new AmeriCorps members at Deception Pass. • Guided nature hike to the Goose Rock area at 3 p.m. • Information about the upcoming Deception Pass Bridge painting project. The open house is an opportunity to get to know community groups such as the Audubon Society, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Deception Pass State Park Foundation. Information booths will cover topics such as forage fish, Pacific mammals and plastics education. That evening, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Deception Pass State Park Foundation will also hold its annual meeting at the retreat center. The meeting is open to the public. Deception Pass State Park Manager Jason Armstrong, Deception Pass Park Foundation President Matt Klope and Interpretive Specialist Joy Kacoroski will speak about the successes of 2018 and future plans for the park, followed by a question-and-answer period. Refreshments will be served at the evening meeting. About Cornet Bay Retreat Center Cornet Bay Retreat Center sits on the shore of Cornet Bay in a stand of old-growth trees, and it features spectacular views of Mount Baker. The retreat center hosts small and large groups Guests enjoy a variety of activities including kayaking, fishing and miles of hiking trails. The center can accommodate up to 186 persons overnight. During the shoulder season, it can be split into two separate facilities, accommodating smaller groups up to 50 and 82 persons. More information: https://parks.state.wa.us/362/Cornet-Bay