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Mckay Marsh Nature Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 57 Google reviews · Running trail in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mckay Marsh Nature Trail'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-friendly hiking area featuring picnic tables and trails that are suitable for morning runs.
What runners say about Mckay Marsh Nature Trail
“This one has great views of nature as they all do and gives you an earthly feeling that makes you want to remove your shoes and bury your toes into Mother Nature!”
“Great running trail with woodsy scenery.”
It wasn't a very hard hike or very long. My children love going here and burn off some energy
I loved this hiking trail. The views are great. There are giant ant hills right off the trail that are creepy but really neat. The trees, flowers, vines are all so beautiful. There is a little overlook area with a picnic bench, a bridge, and a tree stump cut into a chair.
Super nice hike it’s about 1.70 miles long and really easy. Nice family hike.
I went on 4th of April. Weird weather for a Texas lady. I went during one of the sunny times after a day of hail and rain and wind and sideways rain. I am absolutely in love with moss, and it was everywhere and different kinds. There is no sidewalk to trail from where we parked. Does have an ok map.
Trail conditions & character
“This one has great views of nature as they all do and gives you an earthly feeling that makes you want to remove your shoes and bury your toes into Mother Nature!”
“I took my dog with me and the scents sent him on a journey that I’m sure he wished he could put into words!”
“The roads are dirt and gravel in some parts.”
“It’s loop is approximately 2 miles and a quarter mile of it consists of a dirt road.”
“There are giant ant hills right off the trail that are creepy but really neat.”
“Kind of muddy in some spots nice trail to walk or run.”
“There was a felled tree on the path somewhere in the middle I think, but not difficult to get over unless you have a child or baby in a stroller or person in a wheelchair.”
Plan your run at Mckay Marsh Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
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