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Nelson Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 87 Google reviews · Running trail in Poulsbo, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nelson 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.
Small, well-kept nature area featuring a playground and a covered picnic space.
What runners say about Nelson Park
“Parents can sit close as their children let out a little steam on the small playground and run around the well maintained grassy surroundings.”
“I was there for a celebration of life which turned out beautiful.”
“Nice and quiet even though it's in the middle of town.”
At first glance, it appears rather diminutive but it is perfect - in so many ways!! Perfect for parents with small children. Parents can sit close as their children let out a little steam on the small playground and run around the well maintained grassy surroundings. Perfect for a party!
We have always loved this park. Simple play structure right between the large mostly covered picnic area and parking loop. A large and historical house does on the middle of the loop as a caretaker residence, I believe after the last ineffectual caregivers were removed they began a home for teen girls, I may be…
This Park is a nice place to have a picnic, take the kid's to play, or even a nice place to relax. The bathrooms always appear to be clean and the Park itself is always well kept. If you enjoy walking they even have a trail that connects into Poulsbo's Fish Park.
Play structure is only good for younger kids. Park is having nice having path under bridge that leads to Fish park next to it. In walkable distance at intersection is Viking - Welcome to Polusbo statue.
Trail conditions & character
“Nelson park has restrooms and water fountains so it's perfectly paired with the more rustic nature park across the way.”
“I was there for a celebration of life which turned out beautiful.”
“Parking is easy &, if needed, could probably overflow into the relatively empty parking lots adjacent to the park.”
“Nice and quiet even though it's in the middle of town.”
“Simple play structure right between the large mostly covered picnic area and parking loop.”
“Nelson park has restrooms and water fountains so it's perfectly paired with the more rustic nature park across the way.”
Plan your run at Nelson 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, water — reported by runners
- Phone+1 360-779-9898
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Poulsbo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Poulsbo's Fish Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 662 reviews
Small bayfront natural area with walking paths, bird watching & ecology-themed public art.
Liberty Bay Waterfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,365 reviews
Waterfront park featuring a boardwalk and a gazebo, plus picnic tables and playgrounds.
Forest Rock Hills Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
City park with a playground, picnic tables, and on-street parking, plus kid-friendly hiking trails.
