Saltwater State Park is located 2 miles south of Des Moines on State Route 509, King County.

Acreage

87.84 acres with 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Acquired

The park was acquired in seven parcels between 1929 and 1974, for a total cost of $46,772.61.

Historical Background

The park was originally presented April 24, 1926, through the cooperative efforts of the Seattle/Tacoma Associated Young Men's Business Club, co-sponsored by the Seattle Star and Tacoma Times, dedicated August 20, 1933. During the 1930s the CCCs built the first facilities, manager's residence and shop, and roughed in the road and trail. In the early 1950s, the creek bed was moved to the north to enlarge the parking area and extend the beach.

Facilities

Three residences, 4 comfort stations, 4 picnic shelters, 1 kitchen shelter, group camp, storage/registration booth, 2 vault toilets, 52 tent campsites, 290 car parking, 128 picnic tables, 30 pedestal stoves, 150' of unguarded beach, sunken barge and tire reef for scuba divers, scuba rinse station, 2.0 miles of road, 2.0 miles of trail, 3 buoys, trailer dump station. Saltwater contains an underwater park.

Of Special Interest

The upper trails of the park have beautiful views of Maury and Vashon Islands, the Olympic Mountains, and spectacular sunsets.

Activities

Picnicking, camping, scuba diving, hiking and clamming.