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Mathison Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 224 Google reviews · Running trail in Burien, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mathison 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.
What runners say about Mathison Park
“They seem to be well maintained and are in the shade which is nice on hot days.”
“Two trails are clearly marked, both with a grade ranging from 2-10%.”
“Nice quiet park, lots of space for social distancing, and nice trail through the trees to enjoy a walk.”
Two play structures (one big, one little) and picnic tables with grills dominate the north end of this hilltop wooded 5 acre park. From S. 146th Street you might not realize the park extends two city blocks to the south, dropping nearly 100’ in elevation down to S 148th Street, offering some nice views along the way.
Nice park to take the kids for a couple hours. Also has some trails I haven't explored yet. My son loves this park. Also has BBQ stands for public use. No bathroom though.
Another hidden park with a great play system in place. Shaded and cool during the summer time.
Overall this is a great Park to take your kids! The downsides are there is no parking and only one porta potty. There are two play structures one for older kids and one for smaller kids, four swings, two of which are for toddlers, and a seriously fun climbing wall.
Trail conditions & character
“The downsides are there is no parking and only one porta potty.”
“The south entrance to the park is not that clearly marked, and the interpretive trailhead is also not obvious.”
“One is a soft surface trail (with a few stairs) for hikers, and the other trail is wide, nicely paved, and ADA compliant.”
“146th Street you might not realize the park extends two city blocks to the south, dropping nearly 100’ in elevation down to S 148th Street, offering some nice views along the way.”
“Two play structures (one big, one little) and picnic tables with grills dominate the north end of this hilltop wooded 5 acre park.”
“I didn't get the chance to check out the trails going off towards the back but it seemed very dog friendly.”
“Nice quiet park, lots of space for social distancing, and nice trail through the trees to enjoy a walk.”
“One is a soft surface trail (with a few stairs) for hikers, and the other trail is wide, nicely paved, and ADA compliant.”
Plan your run at Mathison Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websiteburienwa.gov
- Phone(206) 988-3700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Burien
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
