Stuck at SeaTac Airport for half a day? What can I do? Walk the Des Moines Trail from your airport hotel.
Seattle is a city known for its skyline, coffee culture, and waterfront, but if you only have a few hours near the airport, you might think you’re stuck with hotels, highways, and plane noise. In fact, there’s a green escape just a short walk from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The Des Moines Creek Trail offers a surprisingly wild experience right on the edge of the city, leading you all the way down to Puget Sound.
Whether you want a steady jog, a brisk walk, or simply a chance to stretch your legs between flights, this trail gives you the best of both worlds – forested pathways and a salty sea breeze at the finish.
Where the Trail Starts
The north end of the Des Moines Creek Trail lies close to SeaTac. The easiest starting point if you’re near the airport hotels is South 200th Street Trailhead, also known as the Des Moines Creek Park North Lot. This is around 2 miles south of the airport terminals. You can reach it by taxi or rideshare in under 10 minutes, or by a longer walk from the SeaTac Light Rail station.
Another option is to pick up the trail at South 200th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive, where you’ll find signage and maps. From here, the trail heads steadily downhill through wooded creekside scenery.
How Long is the Des Moines Creek Trail?
The trail runs for about 3 miles (5 kilometres) one way, from the northern trailhead down to Des Moines Beach Park on the shores of Puget Sound. Walking there and back makes a 6-mile (10-kilometre) return trip – perfect for a half-day outing.
For a jog, you can comfortably run to the sea and back in about an hour. For a walk, allow 2–3 hours depending on how long you linger at the waterfront.
What the Des Moines Creek Trail is Like?
The Des Moines Creek Trail is a wide, paved multi-use path. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, but it never feels overcrowded. You’ll be following Des Moines Creek most of the way, shaded by tall Douglas firs, cedars, and alders.
Because it runs downhill from north to south, the journey towards the sea feels easy and relaxed. The return uphill is a steady climb, so pace yourself if you plan on jogging both ways.
The main path is well signposted, and if you stick to it you won’t get lost. Several side trails branch off into residential areas, but simply keep following the main creek path and you’ll arrive at the beach without difficulty.
Reaching the Sea
After about 3 miles, the forest begins to thin, and you emerge into Des Moines Beach Park. This park sits right on Puget Sound, with views across the water to Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains on a clear day.
Here you’ll find:
- A wide pebble and sand beach – perfect for dipping your feet in the water.
- Picnic tables and grassy areas where you can rest.
- A small pier and boardwalk for a scenic stroll.
- The historic Beach Park Auditorium, a community building dating back to the 1930s.
This is the ideal place to pause, breathe in the sea air, and enjoy the contrast between the quiet waterfront and the busy airport just a few miles away. Once on the trail stick to the yellow line and dont turn off any bridges or link paths.
What to Do at the Waterfront
If you’ve planned ahead, you could bring a picnic or grab a takeaway coffee from Des Moines town, just a few minutes’ walk from the park. The small marina has cafés and restaurants if you want something more substantial.
Even without food, the waterfront is a lovely place to spend half an hour. Watch the ferries and fishing boats pass, look for gulls and herons along the shoreline, or simply sit on a driftwood log and enjoy the sound of the waves. There are sculptures to see lik ethe salmon in the wall, so keep your eyes open.
Returning to the Airport
To head back, simply retrace your steps up the same path. The climb is steady but manageable, and you’ll get a different perspective of the creek and forest on the way. If you’re short on time or tired, you can arrange a taxi pick-up from Des Moines town instead of walking back up the trail.
Practical Tips
- Distance: 3 miles each way (6 miles return).
- Time needed: 2–3 hours walking, 1–1.5 hours jogging.
- Surface: Paved, suitable for running shoes.
- Safety: The trail is well-used and considered safe. Stick to the main path and avoid wandering into side streets if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
- Weather: Seattle weather is changeable – bring a light rain jacket just in case.
- Facilities: Toilets and water fountains are available at both Des Moines Creek Park (north trailhead) and Des Moines Beach Park (south end).
Why Choose This Trail?
For anyone passing through Seattle with only half a day free, the Des Moines Creek Trail is the perfect option. It requires no special gear, no car, and gives you a taste of Washington’s natural beauty. The fact that it ends at Puget Sound, with the smell of salt water and views of distant mountains, makes it even more rewarding.
Instead of sitting in an airport lounge or hotel room, you can spend a few hours moving, breathing fresh air, and returning energised.
Final Thoughts
Seattle may be known for its bustling city centre, but even close to the airport you can find nature and tranquillity. The Des Moines Creek Trail proves that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy forests, rivers, and the sea.
If you only have half a day near SeaTac, lace up your shoes, stick to the main path, and follow the creek downhill. The reward at the end – Puget Sound itself – is worth every step.
Check out our Cascades walk in Washington States Alpine Lakes Wilderness.