Home › Washington › SeaTac › Des Moines Creek Trail
Des Moines Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 379 Google reviews · Running trail in SeaTac, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Des Moines Creek Trail'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.
Paved hiking trail leading from a park to the beach with some minor elevation.
What runners say about Des Moines Creek Trail
“It is so long so we like to park at different entrances and explore the entire thing, and every bend is beautiful, quiet, and it never feels like we are in the middle of the city!”
Very nice trail! It leads to the beach and the trail is not too difficult, not that steep. Highly recommend for beginners
Such a beautiful beach front in Des Moines. We want to the Polar Bear swim, that was fun! My wife and I love coming down here to walk the dog. We are new to Des Moines and love coming down here in the evenings. Some nice hiking trails and a pretty little stream to hang out by and watch the ducks.
Nice trail that follows a creek to Puget Sound. It's 4 miles round trip with some elevation gain for a nice workout.
Nice and shady green belt path good for a couple of miles of whatever. The entrance on the north side was a bit tricky to find as it is a bit hard to see from the road but there are quite a few parking spots. The trail was lightly used when I walked it with cyclists, skateboarders, runners, and walkers on the path.
Trail conditions & character
“The entrance on the north side was a bit tricky to find as it is a bit hard to see from the road but there are quite a few parking spots.”
“It is so long so we like to park at different entrances and explore the entire thing, and every bend is beautiful, quiet, and it never feels like we are in the middle of the city!”
“There's the main paved trail but also a lot of little winding footpaths to explore with some gorgeous plant life to see.”
“Great trail along the Des Moines Creek, bank is steep at times, I keep my kids confined to the pavement mostly.”
“The parking lot holds a dozen cars and has restroom facilities.”
Plan your run at Des Moines Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetraillink.com
- Phone+1 206-870-6527
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near SeaTac
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Des Moines Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
Tranquil 2-mile-plus-long trail following a stream and passing through the woods on its way to the beach.
City of Des Moines Park Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 352 reviews
Scenic waterfront location featuring a marina, trails, a beach and a pier, plus picnic tables for a relaxed visit.
Marine View Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 684 reviews
This 27-acre woodlands nature area has shaded hiking trails & a steep path to a sandy shoreline.