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Dash Point State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,921 Google reviews · Running trail in Federal Way, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Dash Point State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park offering 400 acres on Puget Sound for swimming, camping, hiking, biking & hand-launched boats.
What runners say about Dash Point State Park
“Campgrounds were well maintained with clean bathrooms (and showers).”
“The hikes are nice and it's a very beautiful layout to get down to the water by following the creek.”
“Nice and quiet, especially at night.”
Let's get right to the Dash Point on this review. This is as sandy of a beach as you will find around the Tacoma area. Get there early on a hot day and camp out where the sand is soft-ish. The hikes are nice and it's a very beautiful layout to get down to the water by following the creek. The camping looks rough.
The beach parking lot was full, so we were directed to park at picnic area. One little car took two spots. I hope there is some kind of patrol that tow's vehicles that do that... We took 2 dogs.. BEWARE of those who don't leash their dogs!! Ours were leashed. Clearly signs are posted to leash and to pick up poo..
We used this state park in January and we were overall pleased. The scenery and the ability to still have the option to either drive over or take the trail over the beach was wonderful. Dogs welcome on a leash. Rangers were helpful.
Wow! Great trail. Well maintained. Family and I had an amazing walk here. There is a campground close by and not too far from the water. Beautiful area. Lots of bench to rest if legs are tired.
Trail conditions & character
“Campgrounds were well maintained with clean bathrooms (and showers).”
“Amazing place for tide pooling, lots of clams and nice views but difficult to reach by public transit and cab doesn't pick the right location to the beach.”
“We took our propane fire pit and roasted hot dogs, and played on the beach.”
“The beach parking lot was full, so we were directed to park at picnic area.”
Plan your run at Dash Point State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.state.wa.us
- Phone+1 253-661-4955
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9:30 pm |
Running trails near Federal Way
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
