Burn Ban - Level 1
Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.
Part of the Park is Closed
Posted on:
There are a number of projects in development in the campground area of the park, some resulting from flooding and erosion impacts. While the campground is closed, we are taking this opportunity to reevaluate camping within the park. We will have more information available as this work progresses.
Saltwater State Park
25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Saltwater State Park delivers a sandy beach getaway only two miles from Interstate 5. This 137-acre park features forested campsites along a bubbling creek, tide pools and a driftwood-strewn shore to explore, and an artificial underwater reef perfect for scuba diving.
Rules
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
- Horses not Allowed
A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Fishing and harvesting are prohibited in the artificial reef area.
Please note that wood fires are not allowed in the campground at any time.
Alcohol is allowed only at the campground by registered campers of legal age and in their campsite only. It is not allowed in any other area of the park.
Activities
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Beach Exploration
Bird Watching
First Day Hike Events
Fishing
Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running
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Kayaking
Metal Detecting
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Paddleboarding
Scuba Diving
Swimming
Amenities
Automated Pay Station
Accessible Restrooms
Fire Pit
Recycling
Restrooms
Trash Service
Grill
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Accessible Parking
Parking
Playgrounds
Volleyball
Concessions
Interpretive Opportunities
Accessible Trails
Hiking Trails
Park features
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Creek
Forest
Freshwater
Mountain View
Rocky Beach
Saltwater
Viewpoint
Wetland
Wildlife Viewing
Rules
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
- Horses not Allowed
A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Fishing and harvesting are prohibited in the artificial reef area.
Please note that wood fires are not allowed in the campground at any time.
Alcohol is allowed only at the campground by registered campers of legal age and in their campsite only. It is not allowed in any other area of the park.
Map & visitor guide
47.3758, -122.3231
Wade in the shallows, build sandcastles or play on the driftwood-strewn shore. Explore Saltwater's tide pools or its seasonal salmon spawning in McSorley Creek. Hike on the cool green forested trails or cook up a picnic on one of the park's many barbecue grills.
Picnic and day use
The park provides two reservable picnic shelters without electricity and 147 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served. Most picnic sites are in the sun near the beach or in the shade along McSorley Creek.
Camping
There are 15 standard campsites available with restrooms, showers and a dump station located nearby. Maximum site length is 50 feet (with limited availability). Wood fires are not allowed in the campground at any time.
Winter Schedule
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
Scuba diving
This is the only state park with an underwater artificial reef. Take a dive to explore a thriving world under the water filled with a variety of sea stars, urchins, anemone, scallops, rockfish and ling cod that can grow up to five feet long!
Food and Beverages
Enjoy freshly made burgers, hot dogs, nachos and beverages from the snack shack located inside the park. It is open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day and on weekends in April, May and September. Current hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Park History
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