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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
King Country Region
Dash Point State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
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DASH POINT STATE PARK
DASH POINT STATE PARK
5700 Southwest Dash Point Road
Federal Way, Washington   98023
(lat:47.3183 lon:-122.4074) map location

Phone: 253-661-4955
Dash Point State Park is a 398-acre camping park with 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The beach provides unobstructed views of the Sound and excellent opportunities for sea-life study. The park features a beach, a variety of water activities and great views of Puget Sound.
History of the Area
The Dash Point area has been the subject of three survey expeditions since 1800. In the past, the property was called lson Landing, Fairview Beach and Woodstock Beach. The origin of the name "Dash Point" is unclear. In the late 1940s, the McLeod family sold the land to the state of Washington with the understanding the property would be used as a park. The park was dedicated in 1962.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 114 tent spaces, 27 utility spaces, one dump station, four restrooms and six showers. Maximum site length is 40 feet (may have limited availability). To reserve a campsite, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Group Accommodations: The park offers a group camp that accommodates up to 80 people. The camp features a large open area and 10 smaller group sites within the camp. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call the park at (253) 661-4955.

Swimming
1. Dash Point State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming in Puget Sound.
2. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, ensuring safety while swimming.
3. The park also has designated areas specifically marked for swimmers to avoid boating traffic.
4. Swimming is allowed from dawn until dusk throughout the year at this state park.
5. Besides open water swimming, visitors can enjoy wading and exploring tide pools along the shoreline too.

Boating
Boating is available to smaller boats (e.g., canoes and kayaks) that do not require a watercraft launch.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing from the pier or shoreline for species like salmon, flounder and perch. Crabbing is also popular here.



Picnicking
There are two covered picnic shelters in the park reservable.

The park provides 73 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served.
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers six miles of bike trails. Be aware that these paths are shared with hikers.

The terrain varies from flat to moderately steep hills which can be challenging for beginners or less experienced riders.

Some parts of the trail may have loose gravel and roots; caution is advised while navigating through such areas.

Riders should also watch out for pedestrians as some sections could get crowded during peak hours or weekends.

Remember to wear a helmet at all times when riding in this area due to safety regulations enforced by local authorities.

Biking after dark isn't recommended because there's limited lighting on most trails within the park boundaries.

Lastly, always respect wildlife you might encounter along your ride - keep distance and do not disturb them.
Trails
1. Beach Trail: This trail is a 0.5-mile long, easy-to-walk path that leads directly to the beach area of Dash Point State Park.

2. Boundary Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail stretching for about 3 miles through lush green forests and offering beautiful views of Puget Sound.

3. Fern Alley Loop: An approximately one mile looped hiking route featuring dense ferns along its sides making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

4. Meadow View Nature Walkway: It's a short half-a-mile walk with interpretive signs providing information on local flora and fauna in the park's meadow areas.

5. North Ridge Hiking Path: About two miles long, this moderately difficult hike offers stunning panoramic vistas from atop North ridge hillside.

6. Southwest Shoreline Promenade: Approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile-long shoreline walking track giving hikers close-up view of marine life during low tide times.

7. Creekside Walking Route: Half mile scenic pathway running alongside creek bed within forest canopy; perfect place to observe aquatic wildlife species like salamanders or frogs.

8. Heart O' The Hills Campground Trails: These are several interconnected trails around campground sites suitable both for leisurely strolls as well as more strenuous hikes depending upon individual preferences.

9. Picnic Area Paths: Shorter paths connecting various picnic spots throughout park allowing visitors quick access between different recreational facilities available at Dash Point State Park.

10. Twin Ponds Loop: A serene one-and-half-miles round trip trek circling twin ponds amidst woodland setting ; great location spotting birdlife especially waterfowl varieties during migratory seasons.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and Belted Kingfishers. The park is home to various songbirds such as Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Seasonal migrants include Western Tanagers in the summer and Varied Thrushes during winter months. Birding enthusiasts may also encounter waterfowl including Buffleheads or American Wigeon along the shoreline area.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 7 First time by Kdeisele
park review stars; one to five We arrived midweek from Canada with no reservations. Although the park check in was technically closed a helpful campground host allowed us to find a site and set up our tent. The park was clean, For the most part quiet and had everything we needed. Our two night stay was not long enough and we will be sure to return to explore more trails and the beach next time.
July 10 wonderful picnic and beachcombing spot
park review stars; one to five I just visited for the first time recently and was so delighted with the picnic area and beach. Beachcombing there was so much fun. Will return soon.
January 19 Great Place to Hike! by Carolyn
park review stars; one to five I come here not for the camping but the hiking opportunities. There are a lot of trails criss-crossing around the park that keep you busy for hours. Before or after my hikes here I like to walk along the beach for a nice warm-up or cool down to my workout. This is a wonderful place to visit for pic-nics as well. Enjoy your visit!
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Area Campgrounds
Seattle/Tacoma KOA
5801 South 212th Street
Kent, WA
253-872-8652
Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
9515 Burnham Drive
Gig Harbor, WA
253-858-8138
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located on the west side of Federal Way, Wash., in the vicinity of Seattle, Wash.

From I-5 : Exit at the 320th St.exit (exit #143). Take 320th St. west approximately four miles. When 320th St. ends at a T-intersection, make a right onto 47th St. When 47th St. ends at a T-intersection, turn left onto Hwy. 509/ Dash Point Rd. Drive about two miles to the park. (West side of street is the campground side, and east side is the day-use area.)

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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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