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Ballinger Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,148 Google reviews · Running trail in Mountlake Terrace, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ballinger Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Left in its natural state, this former golf course is a public area with mature trees & wetland.
What runners say about Ballinger Park
“Clean pathways for walking, pier for fishing, a kayak launch for paddling (provided with a self-service kayak rental), and a playground for kids along the walkway.”
“Beautiful and big, the north side is essentially a bunch of small ponds surrounding a bigger lake with rolling hills of grass in between.”
“It’s a wonderful spot to relax, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a peaceful day outside.”
Beautiful and big, the north side is essentially a bunch of small ponds surrounding a bigger lake with rolling hills of grass in between. It is well up-kept, quiet and peaceful.
Love this park, the lake is clean and swimmable. They have a boat launch for electric boats and a fishing dock for trout fishing. They just redid the trails and added new bridges and took our invasive species and put I. More native plants. There are lots of birds, eagles, Herring, red spotted black birds, ect.
Clean pathways for walking, pier for fishing, a kayak launch for paddling (provided with a self-service kayak rental), and a playground for kids along the walkway. Unfortunately, some areas may be inaccessible after heavy rain due to water pooling and swampy conditions.
This is a very nice city park. Grounds are well maintained and scenery is pretty. I wish there was graveled walking path. Worth a visit!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful and big, the north side is essentially a bunch of small ponds surrounding a bigger lake with rolling hills of grass in between.”
“Every time I've visited, there's been plenty of parking by the senior center (I don't even try parking by the dock).”
“The grounds could use a little weeding and cleanup, but the building facility, restrooms, and kitchen areas were clean, fairly modern and well maintained.”
“It’s a wonderful spot to relax, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a peaceful day outside.”
Plan your run at Ballinger Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofmlt.com
- Phone+1 425-640-3105
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 pm |
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