Overview
A brief introduction to Saltwater State Park
Saltwater State Park is a 137 acres (0.55 km2) plot of second-growth timber on Puget Sound in the city of Des Moines, Washington, United States. The main attraction is 1,445 feet (440 m) of saltwater beachfront, including a sandy swimming beach in the southwest corner, and rocky tideflats along the west with a submerged artificial reef that is popular with scuba divers.
Overlooked by most visitors is the steep ravine of McSorley (formerly Smith) Creek which winds inland in a gentle "S" curve joined by three tributary streams. About 30 campsites are situated on a road that parallels the creek, serving the public on a first-come-first-served basis. On both the north and south sides of the ravine there is a network of hiking trails which follow up the side creeks, rise through jungles of stinging nettles, skirt the edges of cliffs and ridges, and cross wooded plateaus.
As of 2009, Saltwater State Park has been designated a Marine Protected Area. Salmon spawn in McSorley Creek and the area provides habitat for many species of fish.
Marine View Drive passes over the park on a 200 feet (61 m) high bridge, and 16th Avenue S crosses two branches of McSorley Creek to form the eastern boundary. One trail rises between the two branches of the creek to exit the park, while another trail continues from the dead-end of the campground service road a short way east of 16th Ave. along the main branch of the creek, informally extending the park.
The Redondo turn point for jets approaching SeaTac Airport is just to the south, so the park is rather noisy, but Saltwater remains one of the most-used State Parks in the Puget Sound region with an average of 350,000 visitors a year.
ARE Saltwater State Park campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Saltwater State Park, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Saltwater State Park
- Washington State Parks
- Booking site: https://washington.goingtocamp.com
Spotted an error?
Whoops! Sometimes we make mistakes. Want to help improve the Saltwater State Park listing? Please suggest a correction.
Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Saltwater State Park
Be the first to post a review of Saltwater State Park!
How was your visit to Saltwater State Park? Share your review of Saltwater State Park and help fellow nature-lovers make an informed decision.
Post a reviewMap
View a map of Saltwater State Park
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!