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Saltwater State Park
Phone: (253) 661-4956
Fax:
City: Des Moines
Address:
25205 Eighth Place South,
Des Moines, WALocated two miles south of Des Moines, Wash., near Sea-Tac International Airport.
The park features tide pools and marine life, including salmon spawning in McSorley Creek. There is an underwater artificial reef for scuba divers. The park is on the flight path of Sea-Tac International Airport.
For more up to date information, visit the Saltwater page on the state parks web site.
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Park Overview
Saltwater State Park is an 88-acre marine camping park with 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The park is located halfway between the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. The cities jointly and literally buried a hatchet in the park as a symbol of an end to their mutual competition. The park offers beautiful views and wildlife-watching opportunities.
Marine Park: No
Popular Destination
Park Hours
Summer: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Winter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Campground closure: The campground at Saltwater State Park is closed due to maintenance. The day-use area is open.
Winter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Campground closure: The campground at Saltwater State Park is closed due to maintenance. The day-use area is open.
Significant History
The park dedication in 1926 included a peace effort to stop the bad feelings between the cities of Tacoma and Seattle. The park is located halfway between the two cities, and a hatchet is symbolically buried under a rock somewhere in the park. Much of the park we see today was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s.
Interpretive Oportunities
Several educational programs are available. The Tidelands Stewardship Training program is offered March through May, with clock-hour credit for school teachers. "Teach on the Beach," a youth summer camp, is offered in July and August. The camp also features an active Junior Ranger program. For information on park programs, call (253) 661-4956.
Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map,
or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.
Take exit #147 off I-5. Follow signs west, and turn right on 16th St. past the Safeway store (sign missing). Then follow signs to park. Turn on Marine View Dr., which runs through the park. Turn left into the park.
From the north:
Take exit #149 off of I-5, go west, then turn south on Hwy. 99 (sign missing). Follow the signs into the park. Turn right on 240th at the Midway Drive-in. Turn left on Marine View Dr. and turn right into the park.
Directions
From the south:Take exit #147 off I-5. Follow signs west, and turn right on 16th St. past the Safeway store (sign missing). Then follow signs to park. Turn on Marine View Dr., which runs through the park. Turn left into the park.
From the north:
Take exit #149 off of I-5, go west, then turn south on Hwy. 99 (sign missing). Follow the signs into the park. Turn right on 240th at the Midway Drive-in. Turn left on Marine View Dr. and turn right into the park.
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life | Plantlife |
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Foxes
Squirrels
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Crows/Ravens
Dove/Pigeon
Ducks
Eagles
Gulls
Hawks
Herons
Humming Birds
Osprey
Owls
Quail
Woodpeckers
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Clams
Crabs
Mussels
Octopus
Oysters
Sea Birds
Sea Cucumbers
Seals
Shellfish
Squid
Starfish
Whales
Eel
Perch
Salmon
Shark
Trout
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Cedar
Douglas Fir
Hemlocks
Spruce
Alders
Ash Trees
Birch Trees
Oak Trees
Poplars
Rhododendron
Rose
Berries
Ferns
Moss or Lichens
Seaweed
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| General | Trails | Freshwater Activities | Saltwater Activities |
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Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing
Interpretive
Sailboarding
2 Volleyball Fields
1 Horseshoe Pit
2 Fire Circles
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Scuba Diving
Fishing
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The park has an underwater, artificial reef on Puget Sound. The area is often used for scuba diving and fishing.
The park offers three trails for hiking and biking. The park can be noisy, as it is located in the flight path of a major airport. Picnic NotesThe park provides two kitchen shelters without electricity, plus 147 unsheltered picnic tables. Most picnic sites are near the beach or along McSorley Creek.
The kitchen shelters are reservable by calling the park office at (253) 661-4956. Group CampingThe group camp is on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, with a view of Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains. The camp has its own picnic shelter that accommodates up to 64 people with a restroom nearby. Fees vary with size of the group. For reservations or information, call the park at (253) 661-4956.
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| Park Services | Area Services |
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Camping
Pay Phone
Wood
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Auto Repair
Airport
Boating
Camping Area
Diesel
Fishing and Hunting Supplies
Gasolene
Gifts
Golfing
Groceries
Hardware
Hospital
Marine Supply
Pay Phones
US Mail
Propane
Recreational Equipment
White Gas
Wood
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Most services are available within a few miles of the park. | |
