Dash Point State Park and Beach Walk to Saltwater State Park

Hike Length: variable, up to several miles(7 miles to Saltwater State Park)
Hike Difficulty: easy (difficult to Saltwater State Park)
Map: King County Thomas Guide or street map
hike overview map

Introduction:

Miles of trails and a wonderful waterfront make Dash Point State Park a worthwhile destination for the intrepid bus hiker.

Getting There:

From downtown Seattle, catch M 194 and ride to Federal Way Transit Center (note that some of these buses only go to the airport; don't get on those). Transfer to M 187 (plan carefully, bus leaves only hourly). Get off at the intersection of 47th Ave SW and SW 320th St.


Weekend bus service is available.

The Hike:

Dash Point Park forms a green wall of trees on the west side of 47th. Walk south along the road until you find an unsigned trail heading into the park, then dive in. Supposedly there are 11 miles of trails there; due to storm damage I couldn't walk on most of them during my visit.

The park is divided into two parts of quite different nature. The east side is a rolling plateau with a campground and trails popular with mountain bikes. West of Dash Point Drive, the park drops steeply down to the waterfront area; on the hillsides and down in ravines you can find more hiking trails. This waterfront area is the prettiest part of the park. If you time your arrival on a good minus tide, the beach walking is marvelous.

If the tide is very low, -2 feet or lower (such tides occur April thru August), you can walk north all the way to Saltwater State Park, about 6 miles. Allow at least 2 hours and start well before low tide if you want to try this. Along the way you pass the resort-like boardwalk of Redondo Beach. The final two miles to Saltwater is over rough cobblestone beaches, which are tedious to walk on. Take this section slowly and don't get frustrated...you will get there eventually.

Note that beaches can be privately owned in Washington State, and technically you are trespassing on someone's property much of the way from Dash Point to Saltwater. However, if you stay away from houses, don't dig clams, keep moving along, and generally be discreet, you probably won't be hassled.

Saltwater Park has its own small network of trails in its 80 acre expanse, worth a look if you have any energy left. Otherwise, the picnic tables and lawns are a pleasant place to rest and fritter away some time before catching the bus. When ready, walk up the driveway to 251st St to find the bus stop, only a 5 minute walk from the park.

Getting Back:

If you hiked to Saltwater State Park, catch the M 131 on 251st St. This bus goes all the way to Seattle, a long slow trip.

If you stayed at Dash Point, retrace your route to the east side of the park, and ride M 187 and M 194 to get back to Seattle

Rev 04/24/07