Chase UFO Legends: Discover the Maury Island Mysteries Trail
Picture this: you’re on a boat in Puget Sound when six glowing discs slice through the sky, debris rains down, and a mystery begins that still echoes nearly 80 years later.
Welcome to the Maury Island Incident, just one of multiple UFO encounters in the 1940’s and is one of America’s earliest and most puzzling cosmic mysteries. Now, thanks to the new UFO Mysteries Trail by Explore Seattle Southside, you can retrace this eerie tale across Maury Island, Vashon Island, and beyond. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a UFO enthusiast, this family-friendly mobile journey invites you to explore scenic shores, uncover hidden stories, and maybe even ponder the big question: are we alone?
Pack your curiosity and join us as we step into the unknown!
The Maury Island Incident
If you aren’t familiar with the Maury Island Incident, it is one of Puget Sound’s most infamous, yet little-known UFO encounters.
The story begins on June 21, 1947, when Harold Dahl, a local harbor patroller, was out on his boat in Puget Sound with his son, his dog Sparky, and a small crew. As they cruised near Maury Island, Dahl spotted something extraordinary: six doughnut-shaped flying discs hovering in formation above the water. Suddenly, one of the crafts faltered, raining molten debris onto the boat below.
Tragically, the falling material struck and killed Sparky, their dog, and injured Dahl’s son, turning a quiet day on the water into a scene of chaos. But the strangeness didn’t end there. Not too long after this event, a mysterious figure, described as a classic “Man in Black”, showed up at Dahl’s door, warning him to keep quiet about what he’d seen.
This wasn’t just a local oddity; it caught the attention of the U.S. government, marking one of the first official UFO investigations in American history. Predating the infamous Roswell incident by weeks, the Maury Island Incident remains a cornerstone of UFO lore and the perfect starting point for your next travel adventure.
The UFO Mysteries Trail – Your Adventure Awaits
Ready to follow the trail of that 1947 UFO mystery? The UFO Mysteries Trail, crafted by Explore Seattle Southside, transforms the Maury Island Incident into a mobile adventure you can tackle at your own pace. This self-guided journey stretches across 11 stops in Seattle Southside, Maury Island, and Vashon Island, mixing history, stunning views, and a dash of extraterrestrial fun. Here’s what you’ll find along the way.
Ready to chase the echoes of that 1947 UFO mystery? The UFO Mysteries Trail, crafted by Explore Seattle Southside, turns the Maury Island Incident into a mobile adventure you can tackle at your own pace. This self-guided journey takes you through 11 distinct stops across Maury Island, Vashon Island, and Seattle Southside, blending history, art, and Puget Sound’s stunning scenery. Here’s what you’ll discover, from start to finish.
Maury Island East Beach
Vashon Island Overlook
View From The Ferry
Atomic Mobius Sculpture
Raven Discovers Spaceship Sculpture
Quarterdeck
Compass Rose
Des Moines Marina Pier
Soundview Park
The Maury Island Incident Mural
Westfield Southcenter
It all begins at Maury Island East Beach, the secluded shore where Harold Dahl spotted those six flying discs raining debris. It’s a quiet spot to imagine the chaos—or snap a photo to kick off your hunt. Next, the Vashon Island Overlook offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades, tying the trail’s cosmic vibe to the region’s natural beauty. On your ferry ride between islands, soak in the View From The Ferry, a moving stop that frames Puget Sound’s expanse as Dahl once saw it.
Back on land, marvel at the Atomic Mobius Sculpture, a quirky nod to the unknown, followed by the Raven Discovers Spaceship Sculpture, blending local lore with extraterrestrial intrigue. In Des Moines, stop at Quarterdeck to catch a short, locally produced film that brings Dahl’s story to life with a Pacific Northwest twist—it’s a quick watch that packs a punch. Nearby, the Compass Rose offers a scenic check-in, perfect for pondering the incident’s twists.
Stroll out to the Des Moines Marina Pier, where the water meets the mystery of Dahl’s boat-bound sighting, then head to Soundview Park for a peaceful shore with panoramic views. Don’t miss The Maury Island Incident Mural at 605 South 223rd St., a vivid creation by Nancy and Zach Pahl. It bursts with flying discs, falling slag, and that shadowy Man in Black—a colorful must-see for any traveler. The trail wraps up at Westfield Southcenter, where an interactive UFO history installation awaits in the southwest corner. Dive into visuals and maps, pose with a mock UFO, or step into the Alien Communicator phone booth to “call” the cosmos.
Each stop weaves a piece of the puzzle—artistic flair, historic echoes, and that unmistakable Northwest charm. It’s a journey as much about the sights as the story, pulling you into a tale that’s equal parts chilling and captivating.
Just be sure to check in on the event page at each stop along the way.
Stops Along the UFO Mysteries Trail
As far as I can tell you do not have to do these stops in any particular order, but to complete the UFO Mystery Trail and claim your prize, you have have to visit and then check in on the Seattle Southside webpage.
Why Do The UFO Mysteries Trail
The UFO Mysteries Trail isn’t just for die-hard UFO buffs—it’s a trip worth taking for anyone with a spark of curiosity. This adventure welcomes skeptics, believers, families, and solo explorers alike, no prior knowledge of the Maury Island Incident required. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning Puget Sound vistas, the quirky history, or the chance to play cosmic detective, there’s something here for all ages.
And the perks? They’re out of this world. Visit seven of the 11 stops, and you’ll score a toy bait cow plushy—a nod to UFO abduction lore that’s sure to delight kids and collectors. Complete the trail, and you’re entered to win a six-armed alien t-shirt, a quirky keepsake from your journey. For an extra thrill, time your visit for the Men In Black Birthday Bash Festival in Des Moines, set for June 21-22, 2025. This annual event celebrates the incident’s anniversary with live music, food trucks, and plenty of extraterrestrial vibes—think of it as the cherry on top of your UFO road trip.
It’s a chance to explore a lesser-known slice of the Pacific Northwest, where scenic beauty meets a story that’s still got people talking. So why go? Because this trail blends fun, mystery, and a good excuse to hit the road—all wrapped up in one unforgettable package.
Practical Tips for Travelers to Vashon Island
Planning to hit the UFO Mysteries Trail? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it. The trail itself is free, but some stops—like those on Maury and Vashon Islands—require a ferry ride, which comes with a fee. Check the Washington State Ferries schedule ahead of time, as service can vary, especially if you’re hauling a car. Most stops are accessible by foot or public transit in Seattle Southside, so you can keep it budget-friendly if you prefer.
Summer’s a prime time to go, especially if you want to catch the Men In Black Birthday Bash Festival in Des Moines on June 21-22, 2025—it’s a lively tie-in to the trail’s vibe. For a quieter trip, spring or fall offer cooler weather and fewer crowds, letting you soak in the Puget Sound scenery at your own pace. Either way, bring a charged phone—the trail’s mobile format means you’ll need it to navigate the stops and unlock the full experience.
My suggestion would be to start at the beach and work your way through the list until you get to the mall. That way you can hit one of the many area restaurants for dinner.
Chase UFO Legends: Discover the Maury Island Mysteries Trail
Picture this: you’re on a boat in Puget Sound when six glowing discs slice through the sky, debris rains down, and a mystery begins that still echoes nearly 80 years later.
Welcome to the Maury Island Incident, just one of multiple UFO encounters in the 1940’s and is one of America’s earliest and most puzzling cosmic mysteries. Now, thanks to the new UFO Mysteries Trail by Explore Seattle Southside, you can retrace this eerie tale across Maury Island, Vashon Island, and beyond. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a UFO enthusiast, this family-friendly mobile journey invites you to explore scenic shores, uncover hidden stories, and maybe even ponder the big question: are we alone?
Pack your curiosity and join us as we step into the unknown!
The Maury Island Incident
If you aren’t familiar with the Maury Island Incident, it is one of Puget Sound’s most infamous, yet little-known UFO encounters.
The story begins on June 21, 1947, when Harold Dahl, a local harbor patroller, was out on his boat in Puget Sound with his son, his dog Sparky, and a small crew. As they cruised near Maury Island, Dahl spotted something extraordinary: six doughnut-shaped flying discs hovering in formation above the water. Suddenly, one of the crafts faltered, raining molten debris onto the boat below.
Tragically, the falling material struck and killed Sparky, their dog, and injured Dahl’s son, turning a quiet day on the water into a scene of chaos. But the strangeness didn’t end there. Not too long after this event, a mysterious figure, described as a classic “Man in Black”, showed up at Dahl’s door, warning him to keep quiet about what he’d seen.
This wasn’t just a local oddity; it caught the attention of the U.S. government, marking one of the first official UFO investigations in American history. Predating the infamous Roswell incident by weeks, the Maury Island Incident remains a cornerstone of UFO lore and the perfect starting point for your next travel adventure.
The UFO Mysteries Trail – Your Adventure Awaits
Ready to follow the trail of that 1947 UFO mystery? The UFO Mysteries Trail, crafted by Explore Seattle Southside, transforms the Maury Island Incident into a mobile adventure you can tackle at your own pace. This self-guided journey stretches across 11 stops in Seattle Southside, Maury Island, and Vashon Island, mixing history, stunning views, and a dash of extraterrestrial fun. Here’s what you’ll find along the way.
Ready to chase the echoes of that 1947 UFO mystery? The UFO Mysteries Trail, crafted by Explore Seattle Southside, turns the Maury Island Incident into a mobile adventure you can tackle at your own pace. This self-guided journey takes you through 11 distinct stops across Maury Island, Vashon Island, and Seattle Southside, blending history, art, and Puget Sound’s stunning scenery. Here’s what you’ll discover, from start to finish.
It all begins at Maury Island East Beach, the secluded shore where Harold Dahl spotted those six flying discs raining debris. It’s a quiet spot to imagine the chaos—or snap a photo to kick off your hunt. Next, the Vashon Island Overlook offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades, tying the trail’s cosmic vibe to the region’s natural beauty. On your ferry ride between islands, soak in the View From The Ferry, a moving stop that frames Puget Sound’s expanse as Dahl once saw it.
Back on land, marvel at the Atomic Mobius Sculpture, a quirky nod to the unknown, followed by the Raven Discovers Spaceship Sculpture, blending local lore with extraterrestrial intrigue. In Des Moines, stop at Quarterdeck to catch a short, locally produced film that brings Dahl’s story to life with a Pacific Northwest twist—it’s a quick watch that packs a punch. Nearby, the Compass Rose offers a scenic check-in, perfect for pondering the incident’s twists.
Stroll out to the Des Moines Marina Pier, where the water meets the mystery of Dahl’s boat-bound sighting, then head to Soundview Park for a peaceful shore with panoramic views. Don’t miss The Maury Island Incident Mural at 605 South 223rd St., a vivid creation by Nancy and Zach Pahl. It bursts with flying discs, falling slag, and that shadowy Man in Black—a colorful must-see for any traveler. The trail wraps up at Westfield Southcenter, where an interactive UFO history installation awaits in the southwest corner. Dive into visuals and maps, pose with a mock UFO, or step into the Alien Communicator phone booth to “call” the cosmos.
Each stop weaves a piece of the puzzle—artistic flair, historic echoes, and that unmistakable Northwest charm. It’s a journey as much about the sights as the story, pulling you into a tale that’s equal parts chilling and captivating.
Just be sure to check in on the event page at each stop along the way.
Stops Along the UFO Mysteries Trail
As far as I can tell you do not have to do these stops in any particular order, but to complete the UFO Mystery Trail and claim your prize, you have have to visit and then check in on the Seattle Southside webpage.
Why Do The UFO Mysteries Trail
The UFO Mysteries Trail isn’t just for die-hard UFO buffs—it’s a trip worth taking for anyone with a spark of curiosity. This adventure welcomes skeptics, believers, families, and solo explorers alike, no prior knowledge of the Maury Island Incident required. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning Puget Sound vistas, the quirky history, or the chance to play cosmic detective, there’s something here for all ages.
And the perks? They’re out of this world. Visit seven of the 11 stops, and you’ll score a toy bait cow plushy—a nod to UFO abduction lore that’s sure to delight kids and collectors. Complete the trail, and you’re entered to win a six-armed alien t-shirt, a quirky keepsake from your journey. For an extra thrill, time your visit for the Men In Black Birthday Bash Festival in Des Moines, set for June 21-22, 2025. This annual event celebrates the incident’s anniversary with live music, food trucks, and plenty of extraterrestrial vibes—think of it as the cherry on top of your UFO road trip.
It’s a chance to explore a lesser-known slice of the Pacific Northwest, where scenic beauty meets a story that’s still got people talking. So why go? Because this trail blends fun, mystery, and a good excuse to hit the road—all wrapped up in one unforgettable package.
Practical Tips for Travelers to Vashon Island
Planning to hit the UFO Mysteries Trail? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it. The trail itself is free, but some stops—like those on Maury and Vashon Islands—require a ferry ride, which comes with a fee. Check the Washington State Ferries schedule ahead of time, as service can vary, especially if you’re hauling a car. Most stops are accessible by foot or public transit in Seattle Southside, so you can keep it budget-friendly if you prefer.
Summer’s a prime time to go, especially if you want to catch the Men In Black Birthday Bash Festival in Des Moines on June 21-22, 2025—it’s a lively tie-in to the trail’s vibe. For a quieter trip, spring or fall offer cooler weather and fewer crowds, letting you soak in the Puget Sound scenery at your own pace. Either way, bring a charged phone—the trail’s mobile format means you’ll need it to navigate the stops and unlock the full experience.
My suggestion would be to start at the beach and work your way through the list until you get to the mall. That way you can hit one of the many area restaurants for dinner.
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