Pioneer Park Trail

Length: Several miles; gravel trails rim the three park sections, with dirt interior trails. A new, fine-gravel accessible trail encircles the northwest section.

Level of difficulty: Flat to moderately steep.

Setting: These 120 acres of forest in south-central Mercer Island offer a glimpse of the island's appearance before bridges made it more accessible. An 1860 federal survey noted no residents on the island (including Native Americans, who considered it haunted and visited only during the day for hunting and berry picking). In 1876, the island's first homesteader arrived, Vitus Schmidt, a wagon-maker from Germany. The park's land was privately owned until 1931, when it was willed to the University of Washington. It was later acquired by the city of Mercer Island through a 1964 bond issue.

Highlights: The park's northwest section is generally flat, and its southeast section slopes gently to the east. These areas contain soil that favors the growth of conifers and shrubs like salal, Oregon grape and sword fern. The northeast quadrant of the park slopes down to a lush ravine, where richer soil holds enough moisture to favor deciduous trees and a varied understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants. A new ravine trail with boardwalks leads through the wetlands.

Facilities: Restrooms, water and phone a half-mile north on Island Crest Way at Island Crest Park.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. Horses permitted in designated areas.

Directions: From eastbound Interstate 90, take Exit 7B; the exit ramp turns onto Island Crest Way heading south. From westbound I-90, take Exit 7 and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. In about three miles, you'll reach Southeast 68th Street. To access the southeast section of the park, continue straight on Island Crest Way and park on the left. To access the northeast ravine-area trail, turn left on 68th and go to the end of the road. To access the northwest section, turn right on 68th, then right again on 84th, and park on the right in two blocks.

Information: 206-236-3545 or www.miparks.net. The parks office sells a $5 book on the park's natural history.

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