We went to this park because it was supposed to be dog friendly (on leash) and proximity traveling parties coming from north and south. Based on the April 9, 2025 trip report, we avoided the north entrance from Pioneer Way E and instead started at the middle, E. 42nd St. (where a nice community garden and picnic area exist). The parking was sketchy because of other people seemingly just hanging out for no good reason and certainly not to garden or hike. The picnic tables were adequate. The port-a-potties were horrific. The females in our group could not use them.
The trail signage was worn, faded, and less than helpful. It took a couple attempts before we made it down to a set of switchbacks to the Creek. But first we crossed where a large tree had fallen over (must have been on the downside of the trail, taking most of the trail with it. That was about mid-park. We crossed that carefully and agree with prior trail report that it would be dangerous for many people and dogs. Once at the Creek level we headed north and realized at the end that there was no way to get to the parallel rim trail in the north because it does not extend that far. We ended up walking along the busy Pioneer Way road and up several hills and through neighborhoods to make it back to our cars. We never found a second set of port-a-potties. A couple of nice trail features were salmonberries ripening, access to the creek for our party's dog, and cool temperatures in the heavily wooded valley.
I would recommend heading south from the middle entrance off of 42nd to find an appropriate loop contained within the park. Also, many dogs were off leash, though well-behaved.
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