Walk from Des Moines Marina then up & back on Des Moines Creek Trail

This is a Feet First Leader Guided Sunday Walk led by Chris. Come join Chris, Val and other volunteers as we begin our walk from the Des Moines Marina (at the waterfront) then walk up the Des Moines Creek Trail together as a group and return back at the Marina. See the notes about the meeting location and options regarding parking. The Des Moines Marina and Des Moines Beach Park now charge for parking, but we have provided 3 different options for your consideration.

OUR ROUTE: This is an approximately 4.5 miles out and back that will likely take about 2+ hours to complete, depending on the speed of the group. We will begin at the Marina and follow the Des Moines Creek trail to its northern end at Des Moines Creek Trail Park on S. 200th St. It is undulating, follows the creek and has a steady uphill road at the beginning of the walk. We will return by the same route descending back to the marina on our return. We will need to keep to the right of the trail as it’s shared with other walkers, runners, cyclists, and other wheeled devices. This walk will be at a steady pace, about 2 mph with a short break at our turn-around point. We leave and return to the same location.

MEETING PLACE:
Des Moines Marina, 410 S 222nd St, Des Moines, WA 98198
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oY7KbnnVAYLpKkVG7

Our Meeting Place is at the Marina, enter into the secured pay-to-park lot at the Marina. The meeting point will be to the right of the restroom building shown in the photo above.

PARKING: (THREE OPTIONS)
1) Self-pay at the gate (costs shown here) https://www.desmoinesmarina.com/paidparking.html
The City of Des Moines added a parking fee requiring a ticket to enter, unless you have previously purchased a frequent user or resident pass for the area. Note: We Cannot Guarantee we will be back within 2 hours; this will depend upon the speed of the day’s walking group The cost will payable upon leaving (card only, no cash)
2) Reduced parking if you make a purchase from the Quarterdeck Cafe - they and other businesses offer up to 2-hours validation (must have your parking ticket with you to be applied)

3) Free Street parking - If you park above the Des Moines Marina, free parking is available on nearby streets such as 6th Ave. S. between S. 220th & S. 222nd. From there walk down the hill to the park and back up to your car after the walk. Please allow 10-15 minutes extra time to walk down to the park entrance. This is at your own risk, VERY steep and not advisable if it’s icy or extremely wet. Please take care if selecting this option.

DEPARTING ON-TIME: Please arrive in plenty of time and be ready to walk by 10:00 am. We will not be able to wait for late arrivals.

RESTROOMS: Restrooms are next to the meeting place.

FITNESS & ACCESS: To take part in this walk, you need to be able to walk 4.5 miles round trip on paved sidewalks. The route is suitable for those using wheelchairs, strollers, etc. but please be aware, it is uphill when we head begin the Des Moines Creek Trail and walk 2 miles up. Children are welcome to join us but will need to be able to complete the walk or carried by parents, should they get tired. Well behaved dogs on a leash may also join us.

WEATHER: Be prepared for the weather as this walk will be held rain or shine. Good walking shoes or boots and rain gear are advised for this walk.

SAFETY GUIDELINES:
- Please stay home when sick, if you have tested positive or have been in recent close contact with someone with COVID-19, flu or respiratory infection.

We looking forward to seeing you there!