Home › Washington › Redmond › Farrel-McWhirter Park
Farrel-McWhirter Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,024 Google reviews · Running trail in Redmond, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Farrel-McWhirter 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.
Family attraction with barnyard animals, picnicking, a horse arena, tire swings & walking trails.
What runners say about Farrel-McWhirter Park
“- Lovely well-maintained park with a barnyard - It's a lovely surprise to see farm animals at a park!”
“Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a place for kids to explore, or just a beautiful park to enjoy the outdoors, Farrel-McWhirter Park is a fantastic choice!”
“The open fields provide plenty of room for kids to run around and play, while the wooded areas offer shaded spots to unwind.”
“The park is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery and serene walking trails that are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a family outing.”
A little difficult to find, but a rare gem worth the effort! Watch for signs and then watch for the large Pharrell McWhorter Park sign to enter the parking (attached). Parking is ample, then a short walk to the main barnyard area.
The animal area closes at 4pm. When it's open, it is easy to see lots of animals outdoors. The horses are very nicely trained, and very calm. Great for family with young kids. Many trails around provide easy access from the city. Took me about half an hour to walk around this park.
Old growth magic! So many different trail areas in this little gym of a hiking. Any equestrian park that is so close to downtown Bellevue and always one of my favorite spots to see old growth wilderness. An incredible place for family hikes with large open areas as well with picnic tables and amenities.
Loved visiting this park. My little one likes to be able to pet animals on a farm and this place allows for kids to be able to access farm animals such as Horse, Goats and Cows/Hens. Some of the trails in this park is massive and allows for visitors to be able to hike and access some pristine greenery.
Trail conditions & character
“Most have built in sinks and open sinks by the restrooms ( family restrooms too).”
“Dogs are also welcome on the hiking trails, except in the areas where the animals gather.”
“The park is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery and serene walking trails that are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a family outing.”
“The open fields provide plenty of room for kids to run around and play, while the wooded areas offer shaded spots to unwind.”
“Things to note: There are two parking lots, a larger main lot and another smaller lot on the other side of the park.”
“Some parts of the park is paved and it also looks well-maintained despite the horse poops on the road.”
“This also gives the option for more advanced hikers or for the less advanced, young families, and even areas that work well with strollers.”
Plan your run at Farrel-McWhirter Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteredmond.gov
- Phone(425) 556-2300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Redmond
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Redmond Watershed Preserve Main Entrance
4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Park with trails for short or long hikes, plus birding opportunities.
Redmond Watershed Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 727 reviews
Sprawling, forested space with trails for horseback riding, hiking & mountain biking (no pets).
Bear Creek Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 65 reviews
Verdant park offering 4.5 acres of partially developed land with a hiking trail & natural creek.
Eastlake Sammamish Trail
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
East Sammamish River Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews