Saltwater State Park
🤿 Puget Sound’s Only Underwater Artificial Reef Park — A 137-acre marine park between Seattle and Tacoma featuring the only artificial underwater reef in Washington’s state park system, a designated no-take marine preserve, 1,445 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, salmon-spawning McSorley Creek, and scuba diving among giant Pacific octopus and lingcod
Halfway between Seattle and Tacoma in the suburban city of Des Moines, a 137-acre park harbors a secret that most Washingtonians don’t know exists: the only artificial underwater reef in the entire Washington State Parks system. Saltwater State Park sits on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, where McSorley Creek cuts through a forested ravine to meet the saltwater at a sandy beach. Above the waterline, it’s a popular urban beach park. Below the surface, it’s a world-class scuba diving destination and designated Marine Protected Area where giant Pacific octopus, lingcod, rockfish, and clouds of plumose anemones thrive among massive boulder and concrete reef structures.
The Artificial Reef
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Boulder and concrete reef structures |
| Depth | Up to 80 feet |
| Status | Designated Marine Protected Area (No-Take Zone) |
| Significance | ONLY artificial reef in WA State Parks system |
Marine Life
- Giant Pacific Octopus: The world’s largest octopus species — regularly spotted on and around the reef
- Lingcod: Large predatory fish sheltering in reef structure
- Rockfish: Multiple species colonizing the artificial habitat
- Plumose Anemones: Spectacular white and orange colonies covering reef surfaces
- Nudibranchs: Colorful sea slugs favored by underwater photographers
- Sea Stars: Various species throughout the reef zone
Beach and Shoreline
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shoreline | 1,445 feet of Puget Sound beach |
| Beach Type | Sandy swimming beach + rocky tidepools |
| Creek | McSorley Creek — seasonal salmon spawning |
| Picnic | 147 tables + 2 reservable shelters |
Trails
Approximately 2 miles of hiking trails wind through lush second-growth forest along the steep ravines of McSorley Creek. In fall, salmon return to spawn in the creek — a remarkable wildlife viewing opportunity just 20 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Des Moines, WA (between Seattle and Tacoma) |
| Hours | 8 AM to dusk, year-round |
| Parking | Discover Pass required ($10/day or $30/year) |
| Camping | Currently CLOSED (flooding/erosion) |
| Fires | Not permitted anywhere in park |
Wildlife & Nature
Saltwater State Park — 88 acres on Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma (Des Moines) — is the most accessible saltwater beach park in the south King County metro. The park features 1,445 feet of shoreline, an artificial reef (Washington’s first) popular with scuba divers, and a forested ravine with McSorley Creek. Harbor seals rest on offshore rocks. Bald eagles soar above. The artificial reef supports lingcod, rockfish, and sea cucumbers. Salmon return to McSorley Creek each fall.
Nearby Attractions
Des Moines — adjacent — has a fishing pier and marina. Angle Lake Park — 3 miles east — offers freshwater swimming near SeaTac Airport. Seattle — 15 miles north. Tacoma — 15 miles south — has the Museum of Glass.
Can you scuba dive at Saltwater State Park?
Yes! Saltwater State Park is one of the most popular scuba diving sites in the Puget Sound region. It features the only artificial underwater reef in Washington’s state park system, reaching depths up to 80 feet. The reef is home to giant Pacific octopus, lingcod, rockfish, nudibranchs, and spectacular plumose anemone colonies. The entire reef area is a designated Marine Protected Area (no-take zone) — all fishing and harvesting are strictly prohibited. The park has showers available for divers. Shore entry diving is the standard approach.
Insider Tips
Puget Sound beach: Saltwater is the only state park on Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma. Pro tip: The artificial reef (sunken tires and concrete structures) creates excellent scuba diving — one of the most accessible shore dives in Washington. Salmon: Chum and coho salmon return to McSorley Creek in fall.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Beach and diving. Fall: Salmon spawning in the creek. Spring: Tidepooling at low tide. Winter: Storm watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scuba dive at Saltwater State Park?
Yes. Saltwater State Park has an artificial reef accessible from shore — one of the most popular shore dives in the Puget Sound area. The reef attracts lingcod, rockfish, and invertebrates. Visibility is typically 10-20 feet. Open to all certified divers.
