Saltwater State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltwater State Park |
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 Saltwater State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | King, Washington, United States |
| Area | 137 acres (55 ha) |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Saltwater State Park |
Saltwater State Park is a special place covering about 137 acres (0.55 km²) in Des Moines, Washington, USA. It's located right on Puget Sound, which is a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean. This park is famous for its beautiful saltwater beach, which stretches for about 1,445 feet (440 m).
You'll find a sandy spot perfect for swimming in one area. Along the western side, there are rocky areas called tideflats. These tideflats have an amazing underwater artificial reef. This reef is a popular spot for scuba divers who love to explore the ocean.
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Discover Saltwater State Park
Saltwater State Park is a fun place to visit all year round. It offers many ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Even though it's close to a busy airport, it's still one of the most popular state parks in the Puget Sound area. About 350,000 people visit the park every year!
Explore McSorley Creek
One of the hidden gems in the park is McSorley Creek. This creek used to be called Smith Creek. It flows inland through a steep valley, winding like a gentle "S" shape. Three smaller streams also join McSorley Creek.
Along the creek, you'll find about 30 campsites. These campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means you can't reserve them ahead of time.
Hiking Trails and Nature
The park has a network of hiking trails on both sides of the creek valley. These trails follow the smaller streams and climb through areas with tall plants like stinging nettles. They also go along the edges of cliffs and ridges. You can walk through wooded areas on flat plateaus.
Marine Protected Area
Since 2009, Saltwater State Park has been named a Marine Protected Area. This means the ocean and coastal areas here are protected to keep them healthy. It's a very important place for fish and other sea creatures. For example, salmon come to McSorley Creek to lay their eggs. The park provides a safe home for many different kinds of fish.
