Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, the 320-acre Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a tranquil setting for a variety of recreational experiences. The Mercer Slough is Lake Washington’s largest remaining wetland. Containing hundreds of plant species and an abundance of water resources, the park provides diverse habitat for over 170 species of wildlife. Interconnected elevated boardwalks, soft surface trails and asphalt paths transport visitors through this unique urban wetland.
Trails
The Periphery Trail is an asphalt path circling the perimeter of the park. The trail is ideal for jogging, bicycling, and rollerblading. A component of both the Lake Washington Bike Loop and Mountains to Sound Greenway , the path provides connections to Newcastle Beach Park, Seattle, Factoria, Renton and beyond.
The Heritage Trail, located behind the Winters House, meanders past remnants of old greenhouses, through an abandoned rhododendron nursery and parallels the historic blueberry fields to the boardwalk connecting to the Bellefields Trail.
The Bellefields Trailhead, located on the east side of the park, loops through upland forest, scrub-shrub wetland, and open meadow habitats to the edge of the slough channel. Interpretive signs provide information on the history and benefits of the wetland.
The Canoe Trail allows visitors a unique beaver’s-eye view of the Mercer Slough. Canoeists can observe the stark contrast between the soft, ever-changing mosaic of plant communities, and the hard, urban edge of shining glass office buildings along the slough’s edge. The City also offers guided trips on Saturday mornings May through October.
Parking and Restrooms
The Winters House Visitors Center, located on the west side of the park, provides interpretive exhibits, information, rental facilities, restrooms, trailhead parking and is home to the Eastside Heritage Center. The Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm provides restrooms, trailhead parking and seasonal produce sales.
To Reach The Trailhead:
East side trailhead parking is available at the Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Avenue SE or the Bellefields Trailhead at 2101 118th Avenue SE.
West side trailhead parking is available at the Winters House, 2102 Bellevue Way SE; the Blueberry Farm, 2380 Bellevue Way SE; and Sweyolocken Boat Launch, 3000 Bellevue Way SE
Directions:
From I-405, take SE 8th Street exit, turn west. Turn left on 118th. Bellefields Trailhead is on right before crossing under I-90