The best walks and hikes in Saltwater State Park

The North and South Rim Trail Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll, perfect for a quick breath of fresh air. This short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) path features a minimal 41 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a brief, undemanding outdoor experience. You can complete the loop in about 10 minutes, enjoying a gentle walk through whatever local scenery it provides.

Planning your visit to this trail is incredibly simple. Given its easy difficulty and short duration, it's suitable for a spontaneous stop at any time of day. You won't need special equipment or extensive preparation; just comfortable shoes are enough for this accessible route. It's a great option for a quick break or a leisurely stretch of the legs.

This loop stands out as a highly accessible option for those moments when you want to connect with nature without a significant time commitment. Its brevity and ease make it a family-friendly choice, perfect for a quick outing or for those new to hiking. It serves as a pleasant, low-effort way to enjoy the outdoors.

The North and South Rim Trail Loop in Saltwater State Park offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, perfect for when you need a quick refresh. This gentle 2.0 miles (3.2 km) loop guides you along a peaceful path, where you can soak in the quiet atmosphere and occasionally spot the shimmering waters of Puget Sound. With only 118 feet (36 metres) of elevation gain, it's a wonderfully accessible route for all ages and fitness levels.

Planning your visit is simple, as the trailhead is conveniently located within Saltwater State Park, offering ample parking. This short, easy hike, which takes around 51 minutes to complete, is ideal for a morning or afternoon outing, providing a tranquil experience without requiring extensive preparation. It's a great option for a spontaneous walk when you're in the Des Moines area.

This particular North and South Rim Trail Loop stands out as a serene contrast to its more famous, strenuous namesakes, offering a genuinely peaceful experience. Saltwater State Park itself is known for its calm environment, making this trail a local gem for those seeking a gentle stroll, perhaps with family, or simply a moment of quiet reflection amidst natural beauty.

The Betts Memorial Boardwalk offers a unique and accessible way to experience the natural surroundings near Des Moines, Washington. This easy hiking trail, stretching 1.2 miles (1.9 km) with a negligible 12 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain, provides a peaceful journey over a well-maintained boardwalk surface. You'll find yourself immersed in local landscapes, with opportunities to observe potential wildlife and seasonal wildflowers, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed outing that takes about 28 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Betts Memorial Boardwalk is simple, as it's designed for ease of access. You won't need any special permits or extensive preparation for this short route. Parking is generally available near the trailhead, and given its brief duration, it's an ideal choice for a spontaneous walk at any time of day, offering a quick dose of nature without a significant time commitment.

This boardwalk trail stands out for its ability to make natural environments accessible, allowing you to explore areas that might otherwise be difficult to traverse. It's a fantastic option for families, those with limited mobility, or anyone seeking a gentle, low-impact way to connect with nature. The Betts Memorial Boardwalk provides a quiet escape, showcasing the unique beauty of the Redondo Beach area without the rugged terrain often associated with hiking.

The Des Moines Creek Trail loop offers a refreshing escape into a verdant greenbelt, guiding you through a corridor of towering evergreens and alders. You'll follow the gentle meander of Des Moines Creek, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature, before the landscape opens up to reveal stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike is rated easy, with a modest 223 feet (68 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing that feels far removed from city life.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is fully paved and easily accessible, connecting directly to Des Moines Beach Park. The route is suitable for hikers, runners, and even those with strollers, thanks to its well-maintained surface and gentle grades. While the journey towards the waterfront is a pleasant downhill, remember that the return trip involves a steady, gradual uphill climb, providing a good, consistent workout. No permits are needed, and parking is generally available near the trailheads, making it an easy spontaneous adventure.

This trail is more than just a path; it's an ecologically significant area, with Des Moines Creek serving as salmon spawning grounds, complete with a fish ladder. It's also part of the larger developing Lake to Sound Trail network, highlighting its importance in regional connectivity. The 96-acre park surrounding the trail is the largest natural preserve in the SeaTac/Des Moines area, offering a vital urban escape where you might spot native birds, rabbits, or even deer. It's a testament to how nature can thrive even close to urban centers.

The Lake Fenwick Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, perfect for a quick, easy hike. You'll wander through serene wooded areas, rich with mosses and ferns, before reaching the tranquil waters of Lake Fenwick. The highlight is undoubtedly the floating boardwalk, which provides unique viewpoints and a chance to be out over the lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

This family-friendly route covers 1.7 miles (2.8 km) with a gentle 74 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 44 minutes to complete. The trail features varied terrain, including dirt paths, gravel, and a smooth boardwalk, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Parking is readily available at Lake Fenwick Park, and the trail's well-maintained conditions mean it's enjoyable year-round.

Beyond the scenic lake views, the Lake Fenwick Trail is a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities for birding and spotting creatures like ducks, turtles, and even eagles or blue herons. A unique 177-step staircase adds a moderate challenge and leads to a higher viewpoint, enhancing the experience. The park also provides picnic areas and disc golf, making it a versatile destination for a day out.