Pioneer Park

The park is segmented into three quadrants separated by Island Crest Way and SE 68th Street. After parking on the side of the road near this intersection, proceed around the perimeter of the southeast section. Believe it or not, there are horse stables on Mercer Island and riders often access this trail, so if you encounter a horse be sure to stop and let it pass by. After crossing 68th onto the northeast section, the trail runs along a ridge, with some nice views and side trails connecting down the ravine to the Engstrom Open Space. After crossing Island Crest Way, the trail continues around the perimeter of the northwest section. This is the most heavily used area of the park, so expect to see families and dogs. The fire station at the southern edge of this section displays two pillars from the World Trade Center as a memorial to 9/11. You'll finally return to the starting point for a total distance of around 2 miles. Interconnecting trails within the park can extend your hike.

Pioneer Park is a 120-acre oasis of forest in the middle of residential Mercer Island. Once destined to become a golf course, the island community rallied in 1969 to permanently protect the park from development. The park's more than 6 miles of trails are now used by residents for hiking, biking, horseback riding and, of course, trail running!