Overview
Saltwater State Park sits on roughly 88 acres of shoreline along Puget Sound, tucked between the cities of Des Moines and Kent in King County, Washington. Despite its modest size, it packs in a genuine mix of ecosystems: a gravel-and-sand beach, a forested ravine, and McSorley Creek, a small salmon-bearing stream that flows through the park into the Sound.
The park has a long history as a public recreation space, having been established in the 1930s partly through the labor of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Its proximity to Seattle — roughly 20 miles south — makes it a practical escape for day-trippers who want salt air and shoreline without a long drive.
Underwater, the park is notable for an artificial reef created from a sunken barge, which attracts scuba divers and supports diverse marine life. Above water, second-growth forest provides habitat for birds and a shaded setting for picnicking and hiking. The combination of beach, forest, and accessible amenities makes it a versatile stop for families, paddlers, divers, and nature walkers alike.
Before You Go
Saltwater State Park is a Washington State Parks facility. A Discover Pass is required to park a vehicle at the site; passes can be purchased online through Washington State Parks or at various retail locations. Verify current pass requirements and fees on the official Washington State Parks website before your visit.
What to bring:
- Layers — waterproof outerwear is advisable even in summer, as Puget Sound weather can shift quickly
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals for the rocky and gravelly beach
- Sunscreen and insect repellent during warmer months
- A tide chart if you plan to explore tidepools (apps like Tides Near Me or NOAA's tide predictions are useful)
- Scuba certification card and gear if you intend to dive the artificial reef
The park can become crowded on sunny summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning generally means better parking and quieter beach access. Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet; verify the current pet policy locally.
Getting There
Saltwater State Park is located at approximately 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines, WA. It is easily reachable by car from Seattle via Interstate 5 south, exiting toward Des Moines and following signs to the park. The drive from downtown Seattle typically takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
King County Metro Transit serves the broader Des Moines area. Check the Metro Trip Planner (metro.kingcounty.gov) for current routes and schedules, as service patterns can change. The park is not directly served by a bus stop at its entrance, so confirm the nearest stop and walking distance before relying on transit.
SeaTac International Airport is approximately 5–8 miles north of the park, making it a feasible stop when arriving or departing the region, though a car or rideshare would still be needed for the last mile.
Getting Around
The park is compact and best navigated on foot. A network of short trails connects the beach, the forested ravine, and the picnic areas. Most paths are manageable for visitors of average fitness; the ravine trail involves some elevation change.
Parking is available in a day-use lot near the beach entrance. On peak summer days the lot can fill by mid-morning, so early arrival or carpooling is advisable. There is no shuttle or internal transit — walking is the primary mode once inside the park.
Things to See & Do
Beach and Tidepools
The gravel-sand beach is the park's social center. Swimming is possible during warmer months, though Puget Sound water temperatures remain cool year-round (roughly 48–58°F / 9–14°C even in summer). Check for any posted swim advisories before entering the water. At lower tides, rocky areas yield tidepools with sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and small fish.
Scuba Diving
The artificial reef — formed by a sunken barge — lies just offshore and is one of the more accessible dive sites in the greater Seattle area. Divers can expect to see rockfish, lingcod, nudibranchs, and invertebrate life. The site is suitable for certified divers with some cold-water experience. Verify local conditions and any permit requirements with Washington State Parks or a local dive shop before planning a dive.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Forested trails wind through the ravine alongside McSorley Creek. The old-growth feel of the second-growth forest, combined with the sound of the creek, makes these paths a pleasant counterpoint to the open beach. Keep an eye out for salmon in the creek during fall spawning runs.
Picnicking and Camping
Picnic shelters and open-air tables are available throughout the park. Saltwater State Park also offers tent and RV campsites; reservations are handled through Washington State Parks' reservation system (verify availability and book in advance for summer weekends).
Birdwatching
The shoreline and forest edge attract a variety of species including great blue herons, belted kingfishers, surf scoters, and various shorebirds. Fall and winter bring additional waterfowl to the Sound.
Food & Drink
There are no food concessions inside the park itself. Visitors should bring their own food and water. Picnic areas with tables are available throughout the park; charcoal grills are present at some sites — verify current fire and grill rules on arrival or via the official park page.
The nearby city of Des Moines has a small but functional dining scene along its waterfront and Marine View Drive. Options include casual seafood spots, coffee shops, and diners. The Des Moines Marina area is a short drive from the park and worth a look for a post-hike meal. Burien, a few miles north, and Federal Way, a few miles south, offer a broader range of restaurant choices.
Practical Information
Facilities: Restrooms (including accessible facilities) and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after beach use are available near the day-use area. Verify seasonal operating hours for restroom buildings.
Accessibility: The main beach and picnic area have some paved or hardened surface access. Trail surfaces in the ravine are unpaved and uneven. Contact Washington State Parks directly to ask about specific accessibility accommodations.
Cell service: Generally adequate for a suburban park this close to Seattle, but coverage can dip in the forested ravine areas.
Emergency contacts: For park emergencies, contact Washington State Parks Ranger or call 911. The non-emergency line for Washington State Parks is available via their official website — verify locally.
Waste and Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. Removing natural materials — including shells, rocks, and tide pool organisms — is discouraged and may be prohibited. Follow posted rules regarding fires and camping waste.
Safety
Puget Sound swimming carries real cold-water risks. Even in summer, water temperatures rarely exceed the upper 50s°F (around 14°C), and cold-water shock is a genuine hazard. Non-swimmers and children should exercise caution near the water's edge, particularly on days with wave action.
The beach substrate is mixed gravel and can be slippery when wet. Water shoes or shoes with grip are a practical choice. Scuba divers should be aware that currents, visibility, and kelp can create challenges — dive with a buddy and review current conditions with a local dive operator.
The park is in an urban-adjacent environment. Standard personal security practices apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles. The area is generally considered safe, but verify any localized concerns with Washington State Parks staff.
