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McKinley Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
47.2336, -122.4248 Map & Directions
Length
1.32 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
260 feet
Crews worked to reinforce sections of trail here in 2019. Photo by Alan Carter Mortimer. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

Nestled against I-5, this neighborhood park boasts the title of oldest park in the Metro Parks Tacoma network. Continue reading

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Hiking McKinley Park

As one of the oldest park in the City of Tacoma, this patch of green next to I-5 has been through many changes over the years. When I-5 was built in the ‘60s the park got reduced in size, but it still has a network of hiking trails and some old features like a stacked rock retaining wall on the edge of a pond.

Many improvements have been made since its beginning. In 2019 WTA volunteers built retaining walls on a few sections of trail that used to wash out frequently.

The trails here are wide and flat, a design attributed to their prior use by horse-drawn buggies. Nowadays neighborhood hikers come here to stretch their legs on the various loop trails in the park, going through forest and along a section of boardwalk through a wetland.

WTA worked here in 2019!

Hike Description Written by
Charlie Wakenshaw, WTA Staff

McKinley Park

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.2336, -122.4248 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From I-5, take exit 133 and stay right, following signs for Tacoma Dome. After 0.5 mile from the exit, turn right onto E 26th St. Take the second right onto East D St. Stay on this for 0.6 miles as it crosses I-5, and becomes E McKinley Way. Just after crossing over I-5 you will see the park on your left. There is street parking along the edge of the park here with easy access to the bathroom and trail network.

Take Transit

Route 42 stops at the intersection of McKinley Ave. and East D St., right at the park entrance.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Metro Parks Tacoma

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McKinley Park

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