Mercer Slough Nature Park
An urban oasis of wetlands, trails, and wildlife, Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a serene escape just moments from downtown Bellevue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blueberries bloom, birdsong fills the air
Mercer Slough Nature Park
Best Time
Blueberries bloom, birdsong fills the air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An urban oasis of wetlands, trails, and wildlife, Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a serene escape just moments from downtown Bellevue.
"It's like a secret garden surrounded by busy streets."
🥾 Waterproof Shoes Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy year-round. Pack waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
🚗 Park Smartly
Opt for the South Bellevue Park and Ride to avoid a steep climb to the park entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heritage Loop Trail
Mercer Slough Nature Park
Explore a scenic 4km trail system with boardwalks and wood chips, offering a glimpse into a unique wetland ecosystem.
Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm
Adjacent to the park
Discover vast fields of blueberry bushes; a delightful sight and a potential U-pick opportunity in season.
Water Trail Under I-90
Near I-90 bridge
Experience a serene water trail with unique views beneath the I-90 freeway, a surprising urban nature contrast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wet: Waterproof Gear is Key
Strategic Parking for Easier Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Waterproof Shoes Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy year-round. Pack waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
🚗 Park Smartly
Opt for the South Bellevue Park and Ride to avoid a steep climb to the park entrance.
🐍 Wildlife Watch
Keep an eye out for snakes and other wildlife. Most are harmless, but observe from a distance.
🦉 Owl Encounters
Twilight hours are prime time for spotting owls, but be mindful of nesting seasons when they can be territorial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Waterproof Shoes Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy year-round. Pack waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
🚗 Park Smartly
Opt for the South Bellevue Park and Ride to avoid a steep climb to the park entrance.
🐍 Wildlife Watch
Keep an eye out for snakes and other wildlife. Most are harmless, but observe from a distance.
🦉 Owl Encounters
Twilight hours are prime time for spotting owls, but be mindful of nesting seasons when they can be territorial.
🏃♀️ Great for Runners
The trails are well-maintained and offer a refreshing escape for a city run.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mercer Slough Nature Park for its serene wetland beauty and accessible trails, offering a peaceful escape close to downtown Bellevue. While the park is a natural gem, be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially during the rainy season, making waterproof footwear essential.
"Nice park with about 4 km of trails split into two loops. The paths are quite wet and muddy overall, so waterproof shoes are recommended. I spotted a few snakes along the way, so keep an eye out. There's plenty of parking, but the road down to the lot from the main street is very steep—drive carefully."
Kelly Lee
"A Heritage loop trail of Mercer Slough Nature Park is a must do trail of Bellevue."
Sajal Sheth
"Ah, Mercer Slough Nature Park. This place is a gem—just outside downtown Bellevue, but somehow feels like you’ve wandered into a nature documentary narrated by someone who’s mildly confused but committed. It’s called a slough, which dictionary.com defines as “a swamp or swamplike region.” So yeah, it’s wet. Like, bring-a-second-pair-of-socks wet. Especially November through April, when it rains approximately 33 days a month. That’s not a typo. That’s just Bellevue.
Pro tip: Park at the South Bellevue Park and Ride unless you enjoy climbing hills that make you question your life choices. The Environmental Education Center is lovely, but the incline around it feels like it was designed by someone who hates knees.
The trails are well-maintained. Some boardwalk, mostly wood chip, which is nature’s way of saying “we tried.” There’s a bridge over the slough that’s an engineering marvel. I don’t know who built it, but I assume they had a PhD in swamp physics and a vendetta against soggy shoes.
Wildlife? Oh, it’s here. Birds everywhere. You’ll see an owl if you’re lucky. Or unlucky, depending on the season. Spring to early summer, they get ornery. Like, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed” kind of ornery. Twilight hours are basically owl rush hour. You might also spot snakes, but relax, none of them are dangerous. Unless you count emotional damage from surprise encounters.
Rabbits, deer, coyotes, they all make guest appearances. And apparently, there may or may not have been a Bigfoot sighting in the 1970s. Which feels about right. If I were Bigfoot, I’d live here too. It’s quiet, damp, and nobody asks you to take attendance.
Great hike for families. Easy trails, hidden letter boxes if you’re into scavenger hunts, and just enough mystery to keep the kids interested without needing a search party.
As Rocky, the longtime caretaker, once said while hosing down a boardwalk and talking to a raccoon: “It’s not a swamp—it’s a lifestyle. You don’t visit the slough. You survive it.”
– Rocky, Philosopher of Mud and Maintenance"
Michael Molnar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Mercer Slough Nature Park via car, with parking available. For a less strenuous start, consider parking at the South Bellevue Park and Ride and accessing the trails from there.
Yes, you can reach the park via public transport. The South Bellevue Station is a good starting point for accessing the park.
The park features a Heritage Loop Trail, approximately 4 km long, with a mix of boardwalks and wood chip paths.
While some boardwalk sections are accessible, many wood chip trails can be uneven and muddy, making them challenging for strollers and wheelchairs, especially after rain.
Yes, there is parking available. However, be aware that the road leading to the main lot is very steep.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mercer Slough Nature Park is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for the trails or general park access.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. The Environmental Education Center has specific operating hours, which are best checked on their official website.
Parking at Mercer Slough Nature Park is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding parking regulations.
Yes, the Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm is accessible. During the season, it offers a U-pick experience.
The Environmental Education Center may offer guided walks or educational programs. It's recommended to check their schedule for availability.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of wildlife, including numerous birds, snakes, rabbits, deer, and coyotes. Owls are particularly active during twilight hours.
The trails are generally considered safe, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. The park is well-trafficked during the day.
Wear waterproof shoes or boots due to potentially muddy and wet conditions. Layers are recommended as weather can change.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Mercer Slough Nature Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Restroom facilities are available at the Environmental Education Center and potentially at other designated areas within the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The water trails, the bridge over the slough, and the blueberry farm offer unique photographic opportunities. The juxtaposition of nature and the city skyline is also a great subject.
Absolutely! With diverse birdlife, especially during migration seasons, it's a fantastic spot for bird photography. Bring a telephoto lens.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light. Overcast days can also be great for capturing the lush greenery.
Drone usage is typically restricted in nature parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check local regulations before flying.
Don't miss the unique perspective of the water trail under the I-90 bridge and the expansive views from the slough bridge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, remember to pack waterproof shoes as the trails can get muddy.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
The park's natural ambiance, with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, creates a peaceful environment for your workout. The 4km Heritage Loop is a popular route for those looking for a moderate distance. While the trails can get wet, especially after rain, they generally remain in good condition.
📸 Nature Photographers
Don't miss the chance to photograph the water trail under I-90, a striking example of urban nature. The bridge over the slough also offers excellent vantage points for landscape and wildlife photography. Birdwatching photography is particularly rewarding here, with various species present throughout the year.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
For those seeking a less strenuous entry, parking at the South Bellevue Park and Ride is a strategic choice. The main park entrance road is noted for its steep incline, which can be challenging.
Running and walking are popular activities here, with the trails providing a refreshing urban escape.
The park's natural setting, with its sounds of birdsong and whispering trees, makes it an ideal spot for both exercise and quiet contemplation. Wildlife Encounters and Ecosystem
The park's name, 'slough,' accurately describes its swampy nature, which is crucial for supporting this rich biodiversity. The wetland environment provides essential habitats for various plants and animals.
While the park is a haven for wildlife, visitors should be aware of potential mosquitoes, especially during warmer months.
The Iconic Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm
Even outside of the U-pick season, the farm area provides a unique visual element to the park's surroundings. It represents a blend of agricultural heritage and natural conservation within the urban landscape of Bellevue.
Exploring the farm can be a delightful addition to a nature walk, providing a different kind of sensory experience with the scent of berries and the vibrant colors of the bushes.
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