Spend some time among nature at the beautiful Mercer Slough Nature Park. Stroll along the trails of this 320-acre (129-hectare) reserve, visit a city-owned blueberry farm and inspect the historic Winters House.
Begin your visit at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center (MSEEC), which offers maps of the park and information about the area. The center also houses an interactive library as well as displays focusing on the wildlife that inhabits the park and the surrounding area.
The park features three walking trails. Take the Bellefields Loop Trail for an easy tour of the east side of the park. This short pathway, which is under 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), follows a photogenic stream and crosses the Slough Channel Bridge.
Opt for the Heritage Park Trail to learn about the region’s history. Start at the Winters House, a pretty Mission Revival-style building dating back to 1929. After surveying its beautifully landscaped grounds and tiled terrace, follow the trail past lush rose-colored vegetation and berry-laden scrub. Information boards on the path detail the history of the region’s early settlers and logging industry.
For a longer route, trek the 4-mile (6-kilometer) Periphery Trail around the edge of the park. Jog or cycle this scenic trail for some exercise with a view. If you’ve still got energy to burn, row down the Water Trail. Kayaks can be rented at Enatai Beach Park just west of the park. Join a ranger-led canoe tour on weekends throughout summer to hear more about the region’s flora and history. Tours depart from Enatai Beach Park.
Come during summer to access the park’s seasonal U-Pick blueberry farm. Register your name with an attendant to receive a bucket and start filling it with fresh blueberries. Picking season typically lasts from mid-July through to September, though the season varies depending on climate conditions.
Find Mercer Slough Nature Park in southern Bellevue, a 20-minute bus or car trip from downtown Bellevue. Park at the MSEEC and enter for free.
