Glacial Erratics: Awesome Giant Rocks to Visit Around Seattle
Photo:
The glacial erratic found at Des Moines Beach Park
Two excellent erratics, big and small, of Des Moines
There are two erratics to visit in Des Moines: an enormous one at Highline College and a pretty, petite one at Des Moines Beach Park.
Dominating a landscaped bed of rosemary and fountain grass in front of the Higher Education Center, Highline College’s monster erratic is so heavy (more than 2 tons) that it held its ground against two Caterpillar bulldozers during the building’s construction!
Predominately salt-and-pepper granite, this easily climbable rock has been polished smooth by grit under the glacial ice. With its southern exposure, this erratic grows warm in the sun, making it a perfect spot for students to lounge and catch a few rays.
Crouching like a stone lion watching the tide, the second erratic sits on the Des Moines waterfront. Only 4 feet high, this erratic looks nothing like the other rocks north of the marina at Des Moines Beach Park.
Look closely: This noble glacial rock is flecked with sparkles of mica and streaked with veins of smoky quartz.
Getting there: Highline College, at 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, WA 98198, is a few minutes from Interstate 5. The erratic is adjacent to the south parking lot, in front of the Higher Education Center. To avoid dealing with parking permits, plan to visit on a weekend or a holiday.
Des Moines Beach Park, at 22030 Cliff Ave. S., Des Moines, WA 98198, is a short drive from Highline College. Park near the historic Des Moines Beach Park Event Center. You will find the erratic on the beach, north of the marina’s jetty.
If you go: You’ll find some good eats on Marine View Drive. Try Des Moines Dog House (22302 Marine View Dr. S.) and Auntie Irene’s for ice cream and other treats (22504 Marine View Dr. S.).
