Disabled Hikers Group Hike: Saltwater State Park

Disabled Hikers is 7 years old! We're celebrating seven years of building disability community and access in the outdoors with an accessible community picnic and casual stroll n roll along the sea at Saltwater State Park. We will also celebrate the soon-to-be-released Disabled Hikers Guide to Washington State Parks, a trailblazing guide featuring five state parks in King County.

We'll have plenty of time to talk, hang out at a picnic site, go birding, or just enjoy the sea air. This event is open to people who are disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise have personal lived experience of disability. Your family, friends, and caregivers are welcome!

We will have a powerchair and mobility scooter available if you need it or would like to try using one!

Please read all of the below information. Full details, including directions and meeting location, will be emailed to you after registration.

Trail Description

Shoreline Trail: 0.2 mile one way, flat, paved with some passable damage The Shoreline Trail travels directly along the beach at Saltwater State Park. It is paved and 4-6 feet wide, with a couple of places where the pavement has cracked or been damaged. These areas can be avoided, or bypassed by traveling on flat, firm grass. There are many benches and picnic tables along the way, and excellent birding opportunities.

Additional Accessibility Note: The park is under the SeaTac flight path, and there are frequent, loud planes overhead. This may be overstimulating for people with sound or sensory sensitivity.

Amenities

Accessible restrooms, benches, and picnic tables. 

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to prevent accessibility conflicts.

Cost

There is no fee to attend. A Discover Pass or day use fee is required, unless you have a disabled parking placard. We will have Discover Passes available for you if you need one!

Masks and Scent-free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive.

Parking

Large paved parking lot with four accessible parking spots; the nearest van accessible spot is in front of the Creek Shelter.

Transportation

The nearest bus stop is King County Metro route 165 Stop # 47263 at Marine View Dr and 240th St, 1 mile away. We may be able to coordinate carpooling from the bus stop; please let us know at registration if you need this.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other languages interpreters are available on request; please allow 2 weeks to coordinate. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register!

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you.

Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first.

If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!