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Pioneer Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 281 Google reviews · Running trail in Mercer Island, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6.6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pioneer 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.
Deciduous & conifer forest on 113-acres with 6.6-miles of trails for hiking & horse riding.
What runners say about Pioneer Park
“08/12/23: what could I say about this giant, beautiful, and clean park!”
“Not necessarily scenic, per se, but fine fairly flat flowing trails suitable for mountain biking or cross riding.”
“The trails in the west sector are flat and easy walking, there's more elevation change on the slopes at the East side of the park.”
If you make your way out to mercer island, I recommend stopping by this park. The trails are well maintained, it felt safe, and it was very clean. Always refreshing to step back in time and see an untouched part of the city. Would recommend!!
08/12/23: what could I say about this giant, beautiful, and clean park!! It is worth your visit if you are in the area. The great part is that the trails are clear, safe, and connected to other natural areas. One down thing is that it's hard to find parking so I need to do street parking.
This park is beautiful. There are a series of interlacing trails that cover 3 separate quadrants of the park. The trails in the west sector are flat and easy walking, there's more elevation change on the slopes at the East side of the park.
Not so much a park in the traditional sense. More a wooded area with trails; similar to Bridle Trails park in Bellevue/Kirkland. It's great that 2 of the 3 sectors allow you to have your dog off leash.
Trail conditions & character
“Some dogs were off leash and seemed to be unsupervised, but I'm guessing they had escaped from a nearby home and were having the time of their lives just running free.”
“Not necessarily scenic, per se, but fine fairly flat flowing trails suitable for mountain biking or cross riding.”
“It was a gorgeous park, parking wasn't a problem, and the trails were flat enough to take my baby's stroller on!”
“The trails in the west sector are flat and easy walking, there's more elevation change on the slopes at the East side of the park.”
“Could walk for a good 4-6 hours and loop back for double that.”
“I won’t suggest to trail on rainy days here as it maybe muddy.”
“It was a gorgeous park, parking wasn't a problem, and the trails were flat enough to take my baby's stroller on!”
Plan your run at Pioneer 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
- Loop distance6.6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitemercerisland.gov
- Phone(206) 275-7609
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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