McKinley Park — Attraction in Tacoma

McKinley Park was founded in 1901 to be an urban oasis of nature. Natural water sources were harnessed to feed a lily pool and pond, which now is protected as a wetlands habitat. Most of the park remains forested, with an emphasis on habitat restoration and natural landscaping.

The main trails are well-marked and well-maintained. Each one is less than a mile, but they can be put together to create a longer walk. The "access" trails between the main trails are less marked, but frequent maps should prevent anyone from getting lost. Trails are mainly gravel, packed dirt, or sawdust, with a short boardwalk above the wetlands area. Benches, picnic tables, and trash cans are scattered throughout the trail system. This park is on a hillside, so be prepared for elevation drops and gains. That being said, I didn't have a problem completing the trails in flip-flops while pushing a stroller.

The west side of the park has two unisex single-stall restrooms, with dog leash posts outside. The dog/human drinking fountain didn't seem to be working for some reason. The main playground included swings for kids and toddlers, and two jungles gyms for kids of various climbing abilities. The playground equipment looked to be similar to that at point defiance zoo- in other words, it looked like lots of fun. Two distinct, albeit small, skate ramp structures. Adjacent is a small skateboard-themed jungle gym.

The two biggest concerns people seem to have about this park are: freeway noise and safety issues. Several acres of the park were taken over by the federal government in the 1960s to use for the construction of I-5. The freeway noise is noticeable, and I-5 is clearly visible from the lower wetlands area. In the past, this park has been home to homeless squatters. Though this does not appear to be a problem currently, it's something to be aware of. Personally, I felt comfortable wandering around by myself and with an infant.

Dedicated volunteers have worked to restore this lovely park that had fallen into disrepair after being cut off from downtown by the freeway. Please come and enjoy the efforts of MetroParks, SoundTransit...

Hidden treasure! My elementary age boys & I drive 20 mins to play here when we want something different than our daily neighborhood park trips. Upper Park has skateboard ramps and play area that challenges their mind beyond others. I also appreciate the escape into the nature trails. With 3 trail options by incline and interlacing allows easy transition to each trail, makes this achievable by any. The pond was a pleasant surprise walking onto it from east to west. The history boards were informative and humbling. Must take the time to read. Well worth your time. The scenery from the park over looking I-5 interstate onto Tacoma & its Dome was a reality that in a busy world, we have a place to be still.

McKinley Park IS very well maintained. The play areas have been clean every time and the trails were manicured beautifully! The foliage has been to explore the whole way! One down side...I would like to see the bridge area be what it looks like on the posted maps... Yet still pleased. We have been there many times and with extended family and will be going again in the future! For all these reasons McKinley is a hidden treasure...

It's a beautiful little nature-oasis in an unexpected location. It has the wide main trail as well as smaller switchback trails. There is a pond near the top that has been beautifully designed to drain underneath the switchback trails.

It is very well-maintained, and additional designated smaller trails in the lower wooded region are being added as time goes on. The majority of the park is on a downward slope, so if you want to walk on much of it, you need to expect a little exercise.

The only bad thing about this park is the very loud freeway right next to it, which is the only thing that takes away a star in my rating. Again, it's a beautiful little nature-oasis in an...