Des Moines Creek

Walk a cool green canyon hidden away in the Seatac urban jungle.

Hike Length: about 8 miles

Elevation Gain: none

Hike Difficulty: easy

Updated 9/22/2021

An easy paved trail descends the wooded ravine of Des Moines Creek all the way to Puget Sound. If the tide is low, you can explore the extensive beach at the shore of the Sound. Finish up the hike by exploring the downtown of Des Moines.

Smooth, paved Des Moines Creek Trail

Getting There & Back :

From Seattle, ride Link Light Rail southbound to its current end at Angle Lake

Use TOTAGO to get round-trip transit directions, plus offline trail maps if you download the app:
Des Moines Creek Trail on Totago

The Hike:

From Angle Lake Station, walk west along S 200th for a shy half mile to the trailhead of the Des Moines Creek Trail, on the south side of the street. This area is right under the flight path for SeaTac International Airport, so expect some noise and close up views of passenger jets. If you are a plane spotter, this is your hike!

Walk the paved path, which follows the lush ravine of Des Moines Creek, a surprisingly large and lively stream. In a half mile, the creek and trail enter a steep little gorge. The trail twists and turns to follow the tumbling creek. In a mile, the trail circles around a sewage treatment plant, then natural greenery resumes. The jet noise gets a little more muffled beyond this point.

At two and a half miles from the trailhead, you cross under a big bridge (Des Moines Boulevard) and soon arrive at Des Moines Beach Park, on the Puget Sound waterfront. The park has a long history. The collection of red-painted buildings date from a time when the area was a 1930s era camp run by the Evangelical Covenant Church.

A footbridge crosses the creek near the beach; when done exploring the area, cross the bridge and follow the driveway out of the south side of the park. Turn right and follow Dock Street if you want to see more of Des Moines' waterfront and marina. East of the marina is Des Moines' small downtown district.

When finished with downtown Des Moines, return the way you came back to Angle Lake light rail station.

Historic camp buildings at Des Moines Beach park