Mercer Slough Nature Park
Unfortunately, this little wild park is located in an area that is completely surrounded by busy highways, and thus there are no places where it is completely clear of traffic noise. However, that doesn't seem to bother the bufflehead and other birds that winter on the water here, nor the red-tailed hawk and other birds that prey on them. There are gravel and dirt trails that meander through the wild lands, and boardwalks that cross the various waterways. Thankfully it is posible to get reasonably far away from the traffic noise and enjoy many areas of this wild area, but others are right next to very busy loud roads.
Parts of the nature park are off limits to visitors, as it is still an active farm.
Features in the park include a very small ampitheatre, a preserved homestead from the early 1900s, and a place to launch non-motorized boats.
How to Get Here:
One part of the "Nature Park" has been converted into a park and ride lot, and is accessed through a number of local bus routes and several regional bus routes. From Seattle bus route 550 (SoundTransit Bellevue connector) stops right by the parking lot. Interstate 90 to Bellevue Way, and parking lot is immediately on the east side of the road.


bark dust trail beside blueberry patch
Clams in butter sauce
View from my apt in Bellevue, WA.