Pioneer Park

Island Crest Way and SE 68th Street

Pioneer Park is a 113 acre forest purchased by the City of Mercer Island in 1964. Ownership of the park was transferred to the Mercer Island Open Space Conservancy Trust in 1992. It contains 6.6 miles of trails. Roads divide the park into three distinct quadrants. Pioneer Park's forest consists of second growth deciduous and coniferous trees including Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, and bigleaf maple. The park contains the largest, relatively least disturbed forested natural area on the Island and is home to a diversity of habitat types and critical areas including steep-sloped ravines, small forested wetlands, and a stream.

Northwest Quadrant

The Northwest Quadrant is the most popular quadrant. It is on the west side of Island Crest Way, but it also may be found by its location across from the QFC Village. Parking is available on 84th Avenue SE at the north end of the park. The forest is primarily deciduous, with conifers interspersed. This quadrant contains a perimeter trail that is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Horses are only allowed on designated equestrian trail along Island Crest Way and SE 68th Street. Off-leash dogs (under voice control) are allowed in this quadrant (MICC 7.04.110), or learn more from this overview page.

Northeast Quadrant

The Northeast Quadrant has the most ecological diversity and includes mixed conifer-deciduous forest, steep sloped ravines, and stream habitat. It is East of Island Crest Way. Parking is available on the North side of SE 68th Street mid-block, near a large maple tree. The main trail crosses the quadrant diagonally, skirting the top of the ravine, offering views into the ravine from two overlooks. The newest trail in the park takes visitors into the ravine and around wetlands, with overlook of the creek at the bottom. This quadrant is closed to horses.

Southeast Quadrant

The Southeast Quadrant is the equestrian quadrant. It is on the east side of Island Crest Way, south of SE 68th Street. Parking is available on the east side of Island Crest Way just south of SE 68th Street. While the trails are open to all users, they have been designed and maintained specifically for horseback riding. The forest here is predominantly Douglas fir. Root rot is active in this quadrant, and gaps in the canopy indicate where trees have fallen over as a result.