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Saltwater
Overview
Saltwater State Park offers a unique coastal experience nestled between the bustling cities of Seattle and Tacoma. As one of the most popular state parks on the Puget Sound, it provides a serene escape where the lush forest meets the sea. Travelers often choose this location for its scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and its status as a premier saltwater beach destination within a metropolitan area, offering a quiet respite from the nearby urban sprawl.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Des Moines, WA, the park spans a lush canyon that leads directly to the shoreline. The location is surprisingly convenient, sitting just minutes from Sea-Tac International Airport, making it an ideal stop for those entering or leaving the Pacific Northwest. Visitors are surrounded by towering evergreens and the soothing sounds of McSorley Creek as it winds through the park toward the sound, creating a peaceful atmosphere despite its proximity to the city.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features a mix of standard sites and those equipped with utility hookups for RVs, specifically providing water and electricity. While the sites offer a more rustic, wooded feel compared to luxury resorts, they include essential comforts for a pleasant stay:
- Clean restrooms and heated showers
- On-site sanitary dump station
- Picnic tables and fire rings at every site
- Wooded campsites providing natural privacy
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
One of the park's most distinctive features is its protected underwater artificial reef, which attracts scuba divers from across the region to observe diverse marine life. For those staying on land, the beach offers excellent tide pooling opportunities during low tide and stretches of sand for beachcombing. The surrounding area also provides easy access to the Des Moines Marina and several hiking trails that offer elevated views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers who want to stay close to urban conveniences without sacrificing the peaceful atmosphere of a forested retreat. It is a fantastic choice for scuba enthusiasts looking to explore the Sound or families who enjoy exploring marine ecosystems. If you prefer a natural, state-park vibe over a concrete RV resort, this coastal gem will perfectly fit your travel style and provide a true Pacific Northwest experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lion
Saltwater State Park is one of those places that makes you forget you spend most of your life sitting in front of a screen arguing with code. The second you step onto the trails, boom—instant peace. Trees, ocean air, and that salty breeze that makes you feel like a rugged outdoorsman even though you definitely packed three granola bars and sunscreen like a cautious dad. The trails were perfect for someone like me: not too steep, not too flat, just enough challenge to make me feel athletic without my wife laughing at me for wheezing. She still laughed, but only a little, which I’m counting as a win. The beach area? Beautiful. Waves rolling in, kids playing, people chilling—just a good vibe all around. I even dipped my hand in the water and announced, “Ah yes, the ocean,” like I was some seasoned explorer. My wife told me to stop being dramatic. We found a quiet spot, sat for a while, and just listened to the water. Honestly, it was the calmest I’ve felt in ages. No notifications, no crypto charts, no computer fans sounding like jet engines—just nature doing its thing. Plenty of picnic tables, clean paths, and enough scenery to make you want to stay all day. It’s the kind of place that reminds you the outdoors still exists and is actually pretty awesome. Would 100% go again. Next time I might even pretend I know bird species to impress my wife. (Or annoy her. Probably both.)
Steve U
Beautiful, beautiful urban park with fantastic water access and views. Also a really nice picnic area as well as a walking path along the water..
Camisha
...Nice park with plenty of tree's, park benches and water front access...great place to bring kids for a picnic with a playground area and restrooms..
Katie Wilkins
Great place to come, especially at low tide. There are bathrooms, which is wonderful. There are plenty of picnic tables and dogs are welcome (on leash), plus there's a playground shaped like a ship! Beautiful spot to enjoy! We love to find a variety of sea life and are especially excited to find something we didn't know what it was when we found it. Be respectful and take your trash out with you and leave all shells, rocks, and sea life at the beach. Pictures are the best way to remember your cool finds
ejaniswa
Wonderful amount of parking as we arrived mid-morning. Low tide. Some very rocky areas, along with some sand. I would suggest bringing rubber boots as the tide comes in it might be necessary to go through some water. Some clams on the rivers edge might squirt you with water. Gorgeous views of the Olympics.