Top 7 Trails in Seattle Southside

Some of the best trails in Seattle are in Seattle Southside!

You'll find plenty of opportunities to become one with nature or get some exercise weaving through urban landscapes. Here are a few of our picks for the top trails in Seattle Southside.

Des Moines Creek Trail
Interurban Trail
Saltwater State Park
Fort Dent Park
Duwamish-Green River Trail
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
North SeaTac Park

***WASHINGTON STATE PARKS GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR RECREATION

Before you go

  • Check what’s open. While many state-managed land destinations are open for day use, other local, tribal, and federal land may still be closed.
  • Opt for day trips close to home. Overnight stays are not permitted.
  • Stay with immediate household members only. Recreation with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission.
  • Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited restroom services as staff begin the process to reopen facilities at wildlife areas and water-access sites. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms of fever, coughing or shortness of breath, save your outdoor adventure for another day.

When you get there

  • Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded.
  • Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Trailer your boat in the same way.
  • Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap and hand sanitizer with you.
  • Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

For more information, please visit https://parks.state.wa.us/.

DES MOINES CREEK TRAIL

Arguably the most beautiful trail in Seattle Southside, the route will take you from the shores of Puget Sound at Des Moines Beach Park to inland SeaTac. The paved trail runs parallel to the creek and is approximately 3-miles in length. Perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, and cycling, the lush foliage along the trail is quite literally a breath of fresh air. After getting some exercise along the trail, the southern endpoint at Des Moines Beach Park offers plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sound.

INTERURBAN TRAIL

14 miles of paved trail running through the cities of Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Algona, and Pacific, a complete trek through this trail will burn some serious calories. A variety of sights are seen on the route; industrial areas, suburban lands, and the historic Interurban Rail Line. From Tukwila, you can either head north on the trail all the way to Downtown Seattle, or head south along the Green River. Don’t feel obligated to take on the trail in its entirety, there are plenty of great spots to hop and off the trail to your heart’s content.

SALTWATER STATE PARK

The only state park on the list, a visit to Saltwater State Park is well worth the price of a one-day or annual discover pass (pass required to park at state parks). The 137-acre park features 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline along Puget Sound, campsites, BBQs, and plenty of walking trails. If you don’t want to pay to visit, there are about a dozen State Park free days throughout the year. Check out the calendar for more details.

FORT DENT PARK

Spanning 54 acres, Fort Dent is the largest park in Tukwila. Considered the “go-to” park for locals and families, Fort Dent offers many classic park amenities, in addition to several trails weaving throughout natural bodies of water and soccer fields. The Fort Dent Bridge is another fun spot for families and a great place for photos. Nestled next to Starfire Sports (the home of the Major League Rugby Champion Seattle Seawolves) the park also hosts several sporting events throughout the year, including soccer, rugby and ultimate Frisbee matches.

DUWAMISH-GREEN RIVER TRAIL

The Green River Trail is 19 miles long and starts at the Cecil Moses Park in Tukwila, winding all the way down to the North Green River Park in south Kent. The trail winds through the Duwamish Waterway in Tukwila and guides commuters down to the Green River Valley. There are excellent views of the Green River itself, but also large landscapes of industrial areas and smaller parks. The trail intersects the northern end of the Interurban Trail at Foster Park. With the scenic landscapes, parks, and river views, this trail is perfect for a stroll on a beautiful day.

HIGHLINE SEATAC BOTANICAL GARDEN

Established in late 1999, many of the botanical garden’s plants were salvaged from land bought as part of the expansion of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and have been in the community for decades. Home to a serene Seike Japanese pond-and-mountain style garden and several species-specific gardens, the sprawling property offers plenty of space for exploration.

NORTH SEATAC PARK

Surrounded by trees and greenery this park is an urban oasis for bike riders. Located under the flight path of Sea-Tac International airport, the park is known as a BMX hotspot due to the elaborate track built for bicycles. Don’t have a bike? No problem! The track has several paved walking trails, sport courts, and a disc golf course. Check out this video for more ideas on how to make the most of your visit to North SeaTac Park.

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Author

Nick Tolley