Destination Walk: Des Moines Creek

When I put on my walking shoes and head down the driveway on foot to get some exercise, it's a walk, but when I get in the car and drive somewhere in order to go for a walk, it's a destination walk. We are fortunate to have some great places not far from home. The Des Moines Creek Trail is only a ten minute drive from our house.

The trail is located just south of the runways of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, in the clear zone under the flight path. Some years ago when a new sewage treatment plant was built, a main pipeline was laid along a creek running through the woods. The cities of Des Moines and SeaTac worked with the sewer district to pave over the scar of the pipeline. Eventually the walkway was connected with a service road and now runs all the way to Puget Sound at Des Moines Creek Park. A dry, partly sunny Saturday gets Seattlites outside to enjoy their surroundings.

The trail is easy and partly paved. The babbling brook supplies walking music. Nature supplies interesting details.

Low flying aircraft supply the drama. The treatment plant supplied the right of way for the trail

A new bridge for the roadway above provides trail and stream access. The trail and creek meet the salt water at Des Moines Creek Park

The tide was out and families were enjoying the beach. These seagulls were getting an easy meal.

We walked out on the fishing pier to see what we could see.

The Des Moines marina was fairly quiet, but the sailor of this cute little boat had been out to enjoy the day.

Then it was time to retrace our steps to get back to the car. The slight, steadily uphill return gave us a good workout. Round trip is about five miles.

Fresh air, nature, exercise, companionship - a great outing.