Park Ranger Station
Visitor center
4.6 (15)
5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023
Restroom
SoundWA
Dash Point Beach
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Dash Point State Park beach in Federal Way with parking-pass guidance, tides, water-advisory resources, five FAQs and four reviewed shoreline photos.
Swimming restriction
Swimming is listed by the state park, subject to current conditions and posted restrictions. Leashed dogs are listed as allowed in the park; confirm any beach-specific signs. Alcohol is prohibited in the day-use area. Campground rules are separate.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Sound
Access
Official
Fee
Discover Pass vehicle parking: $10 one-day or $45 annual in official guidance reviewed October 9, 2026; transaction fees and exemptions may apply. Recheck before purchase.
Best season
Plan around tides, weather, park notices and marine water-contact advisories
Nearby towns
Tacoma, Federal Way
Water body
Puget Sound
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Tacoma, Federal Way
Access location not verified
FEDERAL WAY, WA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Dash Point Beach
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Dash Point Beach: choose the Federal Way state park
This listing is for Dash Point State Park at 5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. The separate Dash Point Park and Pier is at 1500 Beach Drive NE in Tacoma. Its pier and restroom notices do not establish conditions at the state park. Follow signed state-park beach parking rather than a generic name search.
Parking passes and camping
The Discover Pass guidance reviewed October 9, 2026 lists $10 for one day and $45 annually, with possible transaction fees. Vehicle day use requires a pass or applicable exemption. Published guidance exempts overnight guests from a Discover Pass for parking in the state park where they are staying, not every other state property. Camping reservations and charges are separate. Recheck prices and eligibility before purchase; old prices on photographed signs are not current quotes.
Park rules and beach accessibility
Indexed state-park guidance lists hours of 8 a.m. to dusk, leashed dogs allowed and no alcohol in the day-use area. Confirm current alerts, winter operational changes and beach-specific signs. Accessible park amenities do not guarantee a step-free route across sand or tidal flats. Ask staff at 253-661-4955 about your route and service needs rather than assuming campground amenities are day-use facilities.
Swimming depends on conditions
The state park lists swimming as an activity, not as a guarantee of warm water or supervision. Plan for cold Puget Sound water and changing tides. Check Ecology's marine swimming-safety page and linked beach-status map for water-contact advisories and closures, then follow onsite signs. This review does not certify today's water quality. A shellfish-harvest notice is not a swimming clearance, and calm-looking water is not a safety assessment.
Four-photo gallery context
The gallery shows tidal flats, a creek outlet, a named park information board and wider shoreline context. These historical views are not a tide forecast, current fee notice or verified water entrance. Background homes do not establish a public route across neighboring property. Swimming-entry coordinates remain withheld.
Getting There
Use Dash Point State Park, 5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 98023, and signed beach day-use parking. Dash Point Park and Pier at 1500 Beach Drive NE, Tacoma is a separate destination. No verified swimming-entry pin is published.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Vehicle day use requires a Discover Pass or applicable exemption. Indexed state-park hours are 8 a.m. to dusk; reconfirm alerts and winter operational changes. Do not apply Tacoma park closures to this state park.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Swimming is listed by the state park, subject to current conditions and posted restrictions. Leashed dogs are listed as allowed in the park; confirm any beach-specific signs. Alcohol is prohibited in the day-use area. Campground rules are separate. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Dash Point Beach
Beach
4.5 (725)
Puget Sound, Washington, Federal Way, WA 98023
Dash Point State Park Campground
Park
3.6 (16)
Dash Point Park Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023
Public restroom
Dash Point State Park
State park
4.5 (3898)
5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023
Park offering 400 acres on Puget Sound for swimming, camping, hiking, biking & hand-launched boats.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Camp MoxyJo's
Campground
4.9 (29)
34306 33rd Pl SW, Federal Way, WA 98023
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomTent sites
Public restrooms
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
5 (1)
650 SW Campus Dr, Federal Way, WA 98023
Sacajawea Park main parking lot
Free parking lot
4.7 (3)
S Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98003
Carbon River Ranger Station
Visitor center
4.3 (117)
35415 Fairfax Forest Reserve Rd E, Carbonado, WA 98323
Frequently Asked Questions About Dash Point Beach
Is this Dash Point Park and Pier in Tacoma?
No. This listing covers Dash Point State Park at 5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. The Tacoma park at 1500 Beach Drive NE has separate management and notices.
Do I need a Discover Pass for beach parking?
Vehicle day use requires a pass or applicable exemption. Official guidance reviewed October 9, 2026 lists $10 one-day and $45 annual, with possible transaction fees. Confirm before purchase.
Do overnight campers also need the parking pass?
Published pass guidance exempts overnight guests from a Discover Pass for parking in the state park where they stay. Camping charges remain separate; visiting other state lands may require a pass.
Are dogs and alcohol allowed?
State-park guidance lists leashed dogs allowed and prohibits alcohol in the day-use area. Confirm beach-specific signs; campground rules are separate.
Where can I check current water-contact advisories?
Use Ecology's marine swimming-safety page and linked beach-status map, plus onsite notices. This listing and its photographs are not current water-quality clearance or tide predictions.
Highlights
Puget Sound tidal shoreline
Federal Way state park, not Tacoma pier park
Four reviewed shoreline-context photos
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Prepare for cold saltwater and changing tides; supervise children closely
- Check Ecology water-contact advisories and onsite signs
- Photographs are not current tide or water-quality reports
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four historical views show tidal flats, creek outlet, park information board and elevated shoreline. Houses in the background do not establish public access across neighboring property.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect tide pools by avoiding unnecessary disturbance and disposing of trash responsibly.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Plan around tides, weather, park notices and marine water-contact advisories.
Difficulty Level
Sand, tides and shoreline conditions affect access; ask staff about the route that suits your mobility needs.
Fee
Discover Pass vehicle parking: $10 one-day or $45 annual in official guidance reviewed October 9, 2026; transaction fees and exemptions may apply. Recheck before purchase.
Facilities
Accessible park amenities do not establish an accessible route across sand or tidal flats to water. Campground showers are not guaranteed day-use beach facilities.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
253-661-4955 (state park)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
State park camping is separately reserved. Overnight guests do not need a Discover Pass to park in the state park where they are staying under published pass guidance; visiting other state lands may require one.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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