Mercer Slough Nature Park

Mercer Slough Nature Park is a hidden getaway in downtown Bellevue. Located by the U-Pick Blueberry Farm along Bellevue Way, it's hidden away, especially now that there's a lot of construction going on for the new light rail. But despite the rapid growth of Bellevue, this nature park takes you away from all of that.

The City of Bellevue has done a great job at preserving this area, there is a board walk that you can walk along. There are signs, indicating the history of the area, including the first days of the blueberry farm. Along the trail you will pass by the blueberry farm, which is a gem in itself in Bellevue. But the trail connects you to many other sights and parks, including the Winter's House. If you go far enough you can take this trail to Renton and Newcastle.

Before you get upset about all the bugs around, remember you're walking through a marsh. It's what is to be expected! It's very serene here, with greenery everywhere and even a view of the downtown Bellevue skyline. I just like seeing when people canoe and kayak here since the trail goes along the slough. It's a fun summertime activity. But for any season - the Mercer Slough Nature Park will provide a nice walk if you want some solitude or just some fresh air.

The Mercer slough is a lovely place to walk...if the temperature has consistently been under 45. Ya know what a slough is? It's a swamp/marsh/wetland/mosquitoes-will-murder-you place.

Overall it's a beautiful place to walk. The trails are well maintained and there are some great views. This area has a few different trails to choose from that appear to be mostly loops. It's close enough to the freeways that you get a good amount of traffic noise, but if you go early in the morning it's not too bad. The mosquitoes are most certainly the worst part of this area. Either way, I think it's great we're letting nature be nature.

Since moving back to the Far East (aka Eastside) I was worried about places to walk our not-so-dog-friendly dog. Admittedly, having Green Lake at our front door was both a blessing and curse. Now we live right across the street from Mercer Slough, and it's been great! Nature right at our front door without the crowds!!! If you walk/run the perimeter it's about a 10k. Inside you'll find trails that are great for just about everyone. Beware you may see garter snakes, but also the occasional otter, beaver, and rabbits too! It's also great for birdwatching.

Parking is VERY limited, especially with sound transit light rail being built by Bellevue Way. There is a small parking lot off 118th Ave SE, and some parking along that road, but check the road signs. There is also an Environmental education center and event spaces available.

Overall, I enjoy being able to just go across the street and walk my pooch without fear of being run over by bikers and skaters.

This is a beautiful park with lovely facilities and well maintained trails. It would be amazing except for the millions of blood-sucking flying hell beasts ready to eat me alive. Unfortunately any place with mosquitoes is not a place I will return to. Otherwise this would have been a delightful outing. Alas I spent it jogging back to the car with swarms of beasts chasing after me like a cloud of doom.

Can somebody please tell me where you're suppose to park? I used to park at the Park & Ride and walk here, but they got rid of it to build light rails that's probably not going to be done until 2050 so where do I park now? Lol.

Anyways, beautiful scenery and trail. I think it almost look even more beautiful when it's raining and wet as there's a lot of wood structure going on. Amazing how close it is to Downtown Bellevue, yet there's a sense of peacefulness inside here. There's a cool looking bridge that is very photo worthy. My only suggestion is that walk with a friend, it seem very quiet here which is a perfect opportunity for serial killers to snatch you and to bring bug spray since it's very forest bush like so there's might be mosquitoes/critters flying around.

Tell me about your experience if you've been here or is going to after reading this review:)

I visited in the winter time so wasn't sure what to expect. The parking is somewhat limited due to the transit line construction but there was no issue for me because it was winter. At first I didn't know what path to take but walking around the area was nice. The only unfortunate incident was when the homeless man under the bridge near Factoria started yelling at me. The trail itself was nice and there were a few people who were running, biking or walking. Took the long way around and walked back to the parking area and it was a nice walk.

Not sure I see the appeal. It's right along the freeway and not peaceful at all. We were walking so maybe it's better if you are riding a bike. We quickly decided it was too noisy and left.

Lovely trail and river just south of downtown Bellevue. There is a nature center and I have seen people using a pedal boat down the slough (river). The trail is easy and a good walk for children. It connects to a longer trail that has a boat launch, blueberry farm, and pioneer house of the original owners. Parking near the nature center and Bellefields trailhead.
-What I will say though is that the area/trail is quite boggy. I got mosquito bites in the summer, and was trudging through mud in the winter--so keep that in mind.

Less than mins from DT Bellevue and you feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful scenery, waterways, wetlands and blueberry farms. Very convenient to stop by after work by parking at the park and ride on Bellevue Way. From there you can loop through the Lake to Lake Trail and the Heritage Trail for a roughly 1 hour walk. All the paths are clear and well maintained and it rarely gets crowded. You can even rent a canoe or kayak at Enatai park and paddle through the slough.

My one complaint is I wish the signage was better. There were several splits in the path with no signs. I guessed wrong both times and it lead me out the park to the street. Each pathway is very short, so it was no big deal. Ended up taking a picture of the map at the trailhead.

Part of a great trail system that connects all across Bellevue down to Renton. At some point I want to walk down to the Newcastle Beach which would be a 5 mile round trip walk. If you want to feel like you're out in nature while still in the city, this is a great place.

Awesome trails in the middle of Bellevue.

We parked just past the park and ride at Winter's house where there is a trail head. We ended up following it around the back of the blueberry house and towards the learning centers.

We could of walked on and on, but eventually had to turn back. The signs are very helpful to get you where you want to go and the scenery is beautiful.