Home › Washington › Tacoma › McKinley Park
McKinley Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 640 Google reviews · Running trail in Tacoma, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McKinley 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.
Green space with 26+ acres sporting tree-lined trails, a 7-acre dog park, 2 playgrounds & a pond.
What runners say about McKinley Park
“Well maintained trails and a very nice playground.”
“Spent time walking the trails in the northeast part of the park — beautiful area, feels like I stepped out of the city and into the wilderness.”
“Great place to walk the dog, take the kids and be by yourself in the natural beauty of this special place.”
I was on the trails yesterday. It is a magical place and cared for by a very special human being. It is a peaceful area in an unusual place - next to I-5! You don't even notice the freeway. Great place to walk the dog, take the kids and be by yourself in the natural beauty of this special place.
Hidden treasure! My elementary age boys & I drive 20 mins to play here when we want something different than our daily neighborhood park trips. Upper Park has skateboard ramps and play area that challenges their mind beyond others. I also appreciate the escape into the nature trails.
Theres a little FUN playground here. I would say up to kindergarten kids would enjoy. Its neat n nice greens. there r 3 picnic tables n a bench. following the sidewalk to the up hill, theres mini bike/skateboard. there r seasonal bathrooms n drinkin water. Theres also the trails with on leash dog walking.
McKinley Park is a nice nature oasis in the middle of urban Tacoma. Well maintained trails and a very nice playground. A few wonderful picnic areas and the restroom by the playground was clean. Dogs must be leashed at all times now. Overall a very lovely park!
Trail conditions & character
“Enjoyed my walk and so did my dog, the park does get a lot of traffic noise sitting above the interstate, but worth a stop overall.”
“The good: Really cool trails on hill that gives you a good workout if you want to, but also enough open space at the top to throw a Frisbee around or play fetch with a pup.”
“Several amenities including children's playground, skatepark, adult workout equipment, restrooms and picnic tables.”
“it will be street parking but never get too busy, except the events at the Tacoma dome.”
“Spent time walking the trails in the northeast part of the park — beautiful area, feels like I stepped out of the city and into the wilderness.”
Plan your run at McKinley Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, water — 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemetroparkstacoma.org
- Phone+1 253-305-1000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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