Mercer Slough Nature Park
Hike a slew of trails near the heart of Bellevue
Quick Facts:
Location: Bellevue
Land Agency: City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation
Distance: more than 7.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: minimal
Contact: City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation
Notes: dogs permitted on leash,
Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Eastside (Mountaineers Book)
Access: Take Exit 12 on I-405 in Bellevue and head west on SE 8th Street. Then immediately turn left onto 118th Ave SE and proceed 0.5 mile to parking and trailhead on your right. If lot is full, there is another parking area a short distance south.
Good to Know: Kid-friendly, dog-friendly, snow-free winter hike, Practice Leave No Trace Principles
The Mercer Slough Nature Park is the crown jewel of the city of Bellevue’s park system, protecting 320 acres of prime wildlife habitat just minutes from downtown. The park contains more than 7 miles of trails that traverse boggy deciduous forest, an historic blueberry farm, and a channel teeming with birds and paddlers.
Once a large bay on Lake Washington, the opening of the Ship Canal in 1917 lowered the lake level by nine feet and transformed this area into boggy unnavigable wetlands. A channel was later cut through the area in essence creating the slough that connects Kelsey Creek to Lake Washington.
The park contains a slew of history as well as wildlife. Aaron Mercer (brother of Thomas Mercer, one of Seattle’s first pioneers and whom named Lake Washington) homesteaded here in 1869. In the early 20th century, Frederick and Cecelia Winters began a wholesale floral operation here. Their home remains and is now on the National Historical Register and is open for events and rentals. In the late 1940s, a large blueberry farm was established at the slough. Much of this farm is still in operation (leased through the parks department) and you can hike around it.
From the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center follow a trail by some wetland pools and past mature timber to the Bellefields Loop Trail. Then take this trail traveling on boardwalks and wood chips across bogs sporting dogwoods, birches, hazelnuts, cascara and Nootka roses to name a few trees and shrubs. The loop also brushes along the slough in a few places allowing for some observing of the waterway. Look for waterfowl, otters, and mink among the myriad of wildlife found here.
Take the spur along the slough from the loop and come to bridged crossing of the slough. This is an even better spot to watch for wildlife—and paddlers. Just across the bridge, the trail connects to the 1 mile Heritage Trail Loop which travels along the slough and around historic blueberry fields. Enjoy views across the blueberry bushes to high rises in the background for a mixing of old Bellevue with new Bellevue.
The Osbo Loop takes off from the Heritage Loop. This trail is entirely on boardwalks and it passes by rhododendrons and old greenhouse structure before ending at the historic Winters House. From the Heritage Loop, you can continue on the Lake to Lake Trail (which also includes part of the Bellefields Loop) southwest to alternative parking (near the new light rail) and the paved 4.5 mile Periphery Loop Trail. You can return to your start by following this trail in either direction.
The Mercer Slough Nature Park is one of the featured destinations in my best-selling Urban Trails Eastside (Mountaineers Book). For more details on this hike and others (including many not found in other guides), pick up a copy of this book today!
