Dash Point

Dash Point is a state park. The trails are well marked, including difficulty information. The easy and intermediate trails have roots up to 4". Easy trails tend to be fairly wide. The diamond trails are tech 2, with a few hazards up to 12". There are no drops or jumps. The trails tend to be wide single track, hilly and flowing. The majority of the area is mixed second growth forest with typical Northwest undergrowth. The park is heavily used in the summer, expect to see other users in the winter.

How to Find It

Located on the west side of Federal Way a short drive south of Seattle.

From I-5

• Exit at the 320th St.exit (exit #143).
• Take 320th St. west approximately four miles.
• 320th St. ends at a T-intersection
• Make a right onto 47th St.
• 47th St. ends at a T-intersection
• Turn left onto Hwy. 509/Dash Point Rd. Drive about two miles to the park.

The majority of the trails are on the campground side of the road. You can park in the day-use spots just inside the east entrance or the day-use area on the west side. Do not drive down to the beach or you'll have a big hike-a-bike to get to the trails.

Alternate points of entry

• Take a left at the end of 320th. There is a small parking area on the right just after the buss stop (1/4 mile from 320th). A gravel parking area, and a crushed gravel trail bed that leads into the existing trail system.
• There's a break in the trees around here.

Typical Conditions

Dash Point is typically tacky but the surface will stay greasy for a few days after rain. A fair amount of duff and leaves collect in the winter. In the winter months there are also a number of puddles. Avoid Night Crawler and the Technical Trail if it has been raining in the last couple of days.

The park is very well signed. Just remember what access area you parked at and follow the signs back. The more advanced areas all dump out on to the Boundary trail. The Boundary Trail and Heart Attack are well used, even in the winter. Expect hikers, bikers, and dogs off lead, sometimes large groups. Expect someone around every corner. Remember to use good trail etiquette and give way.

Local Points of Interest

Closest bike shop is Phil's Bike Shop - they can provide advice and hook you up with local rides.

If you leave the park and continue south on 509 you'll run into Brown's point which has a good pizza joint and a small grocery.

Turn by Turn

A trail map can be found at the following link: Complete Dash Point Trail Map Updated Fall 2012.

Trail signage has decreased over the years, though the map (see "Trail Overview") is kept up to date and should allow you to keep your bearings. The following are recommended loops:

• Beginner ride: Stick to Hoyt, Shanon's shin, and Boundary. Feeling a little frisky, take Heart Attack and Double Dip to the Ridge trail. Turn Right. Right again on to Down Hill.
• Intermediate ride: Take Hoyt from 47th. Left on Boundary Trail. Left up Heart Attack, continue up Double Dip. Left on the ridge trail. Descend on IMBA and right on Log Jamb. Right on the boundary trail. Right on Hoyt back to parking. 45-60 minutes
• Advanced riders: Same as intermediate ride but continue past IMBA trail on the Ridge trail to the end. Take a right on to Night Crawler, follow the Technical trail, do the Know it all Kid loop. Take the ridge trail back to IMBA. 60-90 minutes
• Maximum grunt: Take Hoyt and follow the camping signs. Cross the main entry road to the ranger area, continue straight (there is access to the left of the gate) and pick up the trail to the beach. Go to the far end of the parking lot and pick up the Boundary or Beach trail. Ride it up to Heart Attack and to the 'advanced' ride. 120-150 minutes