Explore Seattle Southside Launches UFO Mysteries Trail: A Journey Through the Maury Island Incident

April 3, 2025 - Adventure seekers, history buffs, and UFO enthusiasts alike can now experience one of America’s most mysterious cosmic events like never before. A family-friendly experience fit for all ages and created by Explore Seattle Southside, the UFO Mysteries Trail is a new mobile adventure that guides visitors through the key locations of the infamous Maury Island Incident, one of the earliest reported UFO sightings investigated by the United States government.

With 11 stops throughout Seattle Southside, Maury Island, and Vashon Island, the trail features pivotal sites where the events of 1947 unfolded—from the peaceful shores of Des Moines to the mysterious beaches of Maury Island. Along the way, visitors will dive into the chilling account of Harold Dahl, who reported seeing flying discs over Puget Sound, encountering falling debris that took the life of his dog Sparky, and experiencing eerie follow-up visits from shadowy figures later known as the “Men in Black.”

“Seattle Southside is full of microadventures and curiously wonderful experiences waiting to be found,” said Mark Everton, CEO at Explore Seattle Southside. “Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just looking for a unique way to explore the Pacific Northwest, the UFO Mysteries Trail offers a thrilling and immersive experience that will leave you questioning the unknown.”

Trail highlights include:

• The new, interactive UFO history installation located in Westfield Southcenter’s southwest corner. Explore visuals, maps, and evidence from the Maury Island Incident, snap a photo with a UFO, call for alien visitors in the Alien Communicator phone booth, and step into the action with augmented reality.
• Travel to Des Moines to admire the vibrant Maury Island Incident Mural by Nancy and Zach Pahl. This tribute features flying discs, falling “slag,” and the original Man in Black. Nearby, artist Frank Andrew honored Sparky the dog with a metallic sculpture tribute, and a 10-foot obelisk mysteriously appeared with a secret message inscribed. Don’t miss several walkable points of interest as you head to the waterfront, including Sound View Park, Des Moines Marina Pier, and Compass Rose. The Quarterdeck is a great watering hole to refresh and replenish before further exploration.
• Two pieces of public art beckon next along the trail. Artist Ben Dye’s stunning "Atomic Mobius" sculpture seems to have mysteriously captured Harold Dahl’s description of flying discs—round, metallic, and with “holes in the middle” like donuts. Pat McVay’s sculpture, “Raven Discovers Spaceship,” is carved from a massive piece of cedar reclaimed from the Olympic Peninsula and tells the tale of a mystical Raven encountering strange, otherworldly life forms.
• Check-in points along the trail also include the ferry ride to Vashon Island with breathtaking views and overlooks. The secluded beach where Harold Dahl and his son took cover on Maury Island exudes an eerie isolation. Nestled along East Bay, it feels frozen in time since 1947.

More than just a journey through unexplained phenomena, the trail offers an engaging mix of history, scenic beauty, and interactive exploration. Participants will uncover details of the initial sightings, the government’s secretive investigation, and the incident's lasting impact on UFO history and lore both locally and across the nation.

Earn Prizes Along the Way
After visiting seven locations on the trail, explorers will receive a toy bait cow plushy and be entered to win one of three six-armed alien t-shirt souvenirs all while immersing themselves in the story.

Note: While the UFO Mysteries Trail is free, some locations require a ferry ride, which has an associated fee. It is possible to complete the experience and earn prizes without taking the ferry. The final location is not wheelchair accessible and is not required to earn prizes.

The trail does not have a timeline for completion; it is ongoing. For more details and to start your journey, visit https://www.seattlesouthside.com/welcome-back-aliens/ufo-mysteries-trail/.

About Explore Seattle Southside
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established over 25 years ago in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized in 2023 and 2024—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces.