Hiller Park — Attraction in McKinleyville

Hiller Park has something for everyone. Dogs and their parents can enjoy the best off-leash dog park I've ever seen. Children can play on playground equipment in a fenced area that offers safety from dogs, wandering off, etc. My only gripe with McKinleyville playgrounds is that they all use ground recycled tires. It was a good idea, but they stink and they leave oxidized, black rubber marks on everything that comes in contact with them. There are some rough picnic tables and BBQs, but bring a table cloth. They're rustic. There are basic restrooms with plumbing and a portable toilet with washing station, You may need your own soap and paper towels. Recently, a botanical garden has been installed and maintained, mostly by dedicated volunteers, just west of the playground fence, with entrance from the path to the dog park. It holds a lot of promise for a pretty and contemplative place to walk or sit in the surrounding beauty of the park. For those who like nature trails, there are trails through and past the dog park that run parallel to the Mad River and further west, the Pacific Ocean. The merging of forest, meadow, riparian and coastal ecosystems provide an abundance of beauty and birding opportunities with occasional spotting of otters, sea lions, etc. Even if you don't like ravens and crows, you can't help but love their playful nature as they play against the offshore winds. Bicyclists, joggers, walkers, in-line skaters, and those with wheelchairs will enjoy walking the paved and beautifully canopied Hammond Trail that runs north and south of the Hiller Park parking lot. For those who enjoy a long walk, one can continue past the paved trail and enjoy a more rustic self- guided nature trail along Widow White Creek. Family sports enthusiasts know this area for soccer and baseball fields. McKinleyville's water treatment ponds are located in the acreage of this park. They are well disguised, fenced off, and I have not noticed much if not anything in the way of odor. I would give this park five stars if it were not for the ground rubber tires and the need for some repairs in the...

Hiller Park is the perfect place to take your canine companions out for a little exercise, or to meet and play with other doggies. There is plenty of parking so unlike every other dog park in the area you never have to fret over finding an open spot in the lot. The park itself has a huge open field with a couple picnic tables with benches to sit at while you watch your dog socialize with their new friends. If you'd rather just take your pet for a walk there are a few trails of varying lengths that take you through beautiful forested areas that open up to some amazing ocean viewpoints. There are a few negatives to keep in mind though, the park is set right next to a sewage treatment plant so you may catch the occasional whiff of fresh sewage from time to time, while moderately unpleasant it really doesn't detract from the overall experience. One other minor complaint is the fact that there is no overhead lighting anywhere in the park or along the trails, so you want to be sure to conclude your visit before sundown. Aside from these minor inconveniences I would recommend this park to any dog owner and I'm positive your furry friend will appreciate you for...

Love this place. Always clean and manicured. Its not gated in but its a huge field and still feels somewhat closed in to the point you aren't worried about your dog running off or being in danger by cars or something. There is a poop bag dispencer which is always stocked and a trash can available. There are 3 picnic tables and a bench (possibly 2 but I only recall one atm) and a water fountain for dogs (bowl at floor level, person presses button to dispense water). A park for children is nearby on the property along with a baseball field. Private parking lot so no parking on the street 🙂 There's more to this place but I haven't fully explored the paths or rest of the property since I'm somewhat new there and only go there for my puppy to...