Overview
Saltwater State Park sits on the eastern shore of Puget Sound in Des Moines, Washington, roughly midway between Seattle and Tacoma. The park covers approximately 88 acres and offers a rare stretch of publicly accessible saltwater beach in an otherwise heavily developed suburban corridor.
The park's defining feature is its half-mile of rocky and pebbly Puget Sound shoreline, backed by forested bluffs and bisected by McSorley Creek, which flows into the Sound through a small estuary. This creek mouth creates a modest but productive habitat for birds, small mammals, and marine life.
Historically, the site was used by the Duwamish people long before European settlement. In the early 20th century it became a popular public bathing beach, and Washington State acquired it for park use. Today it draws campers, divers, hikers, and families looking for a quick escape from the greater Seattle metro area.
Because the park is relatively compact, visitors can see most of it in a few hours, making it an ideal half-day outing or an easy overnight camping destination. Its proximity to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport also makes it convenient for travelers with a layover or early arrival.
Before You Go
Discover Pass
Access to Washington State Parks generally requires a Discover Pass for day-use parking. Passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Parks website, at the park entrance if a host is present, or at many sporting-goods and outdoor retailers. Verify current pricing and availability on the official Washington State Parks site before your visit.
Camping Reservations
The park has a campground with standard and utility sites. Reservations are strongly recommended from late spring through Labor Day weekend, as sites fill quickly. Check the Washington State Parks reservation system (Reserve America) well in advance for summer visits.
What to Pack
- Layers: Puget Sound weather is unpredictable; even summer afternoons can turn cool and misty
- Waterproof footwear for beach and trail exploration
- Sunscreen for clear-day visits
- If diving: check water temperature for appropriate wetsuit thickness (Puget Sound is cold year-round)
- Firewood: bring your own or verify whether the park sells it on-site, as moving firewood between counties is restricted to limit pest spread
Pets
Leashed pets are generally permitted in Washington State Parks; verify current park-specific rules on the official site.
Getting There
By Car
Saltwater State Park is located at approximately 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines, WA. From Seattle, take I-5 south to the S 272nd Street exit and follow signs toward Des Moines; the park is about 20–25 miles south of downtown Seattle. From Tacoma, head north on I-5 and take the S 272nd Street exit. GPS navigation to Des Moines, WA, Saltwater State Park will provide turn-by-turn routing. Parking is on-site.
By Transit
King County Metro operates bus routes in the Des Moines area. Check the Metro Trip Planner for current routes and schedules, as service patterns change. The park is not a major transit hub, so a car or rideshare is more practical for most visitors.
From Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
Sea-Tac Airport is approximately 5 miles north of the park, making it one of the closest state parks to a major U.S. airport. A short rideshare ride is the simplest option if you lack a car.
Things to See & Do
Beach Exploration
The park's shoreline is the main draw. At lower tides, visitors can walk the beach, observe tide pools, and look for shore birds, herons, and the occasional seal offshore. Swimming is possible but Puget Sound water remains cold even in summer; verify whether any seasonal swim advisories are in effect before entering the water.
Scuba Diving
Saltwater State Park is one of the most popular shore-dive sites in the greater Seattle area. An artificial reef — created partly from old tires and other materials placed decades ago — provides structure for rockfish, lingcod, wolf eels, and nudibranchs. The dive entry is directly from the beach. Divers should be prepared for cold water, limited visibility that varies with tides and season, and boat traffic in the Sound. Dive with a buddy and follow all Washington State dive regulations.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Several short trails wind through the second-growth and some old-growth forest on the park's bluffs. The trails are not long — the park is compact — but they offer a pleasant contrast to the beach and a chance to see songbirds and coastal forest flora. The McSorley Creek corridor is particularly scenic.
Camping and Picnicking
The campground provides a base for multi-day exploration of the surrounding South King County area. Picnic tables and facilities are available for day visitors as well. Campfire rings are present at some sites; verify current fire regulations, which can change seasonally.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or food concessions inside the park itself. Visitors should bring their own food and water or plan to eat before arriving or after leaving.
The city of Des Moines has a small but walkable marina district along Marine View Drive, roughly a mile north of the park, where several casual restaurants and cafes are located. Options include seafood, American diner-style food, and coffee shops — verify current businesses locally, as turnover in small restaurant districts can be frequent.
For grocery shopping and a wider range of dining, Federal Way (a few miles south) and the Burien or SeaTac areas (north) offer full retail and restaurant options. Bringing a camp stove and cooking at your campsite is a practical and popular choice for overnight visitors.
Practical Information
Facilities
The park has restrooms, including some with flush toilets and shower facilities for campers. Verify current facility status on the Washington State Parks website before visiting, as amenities can be temporarily closed for maintenance.
Cell Service
Generally adequate for a suburban park this close to Seattle and Tacoma, though signal can vary near the beach and in the forested bluff areas.
Accessibility
Some areas of the park, including portions of the beach access, may be accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, but the rocky beach and forest trails present natural barriers. Contact Washington State Parks directly to get current accessibility information for specific areas.
Emergency Services
In any emergency, call 911. Des Moines is served by South King Fire and Rescue. The nearest hospitals are in the Federal Way and Burien/SeaTac areas; verify closest facility with your map app upon arrival.
Nearest Services
- Gas stations and convenience stores: available on Pacific Highway South (Highway 99), a short drive inland
- ATMs and pharmacies: Des Moines city center and Federal Way
Safety
Water Safety
Puget Sound has cold water year-round and can have strong currents, particularly around the creek mouth and during tide changes. Non-swimmers and children should exercise caution near the water. Rogue waves are uncommon here but remain a possibility on any open-water shoreline.
Diving Safety
Buoy your dive flag properly and be aware of boat traffic in the Sound. Visibility underwater can drop significantly after rain or during plankton blooms. Dive within your certification level and never dive alone.
Wildlife
The park is home to raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife that may approach campsites. Store food securely and do not feed any animals. Stinging nettles are common along some trail edges.
General Park Safety
The park is generally safe and well-used by families. As with any public park, secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, particularly in parking areas.
