Outdoors
Free Parks and Scenic Walks in Bellevue
Bellevue's best free parks and scenic walks — from the Downtown Park loop and Meydenbauer waterfront to the Mercer Slough boardwalk and Wilburton hills.
Bellevue's park system is denser and better-maintained than most cities its size. Our editors walked each route below and re-verified surface, distance, and access this quarter.
Plan your visit
- Best season
- April–October
- Time needed
- 30 minutes to a half day
- Cost
- Free
- Family friendly
- Yes
- Accessibility
- Downtown Park, Meydenbauer, and Mercer Slough boardwalk are fully accessible
- Parking
- Free at every listed park
- Public transit
- East Link light rail to Downtown Bellevue
- Dog friendly
- Leashed dogs welcome; poop bags on trails
Section 1
Downtown loops
The Bellevue Downtown Park loop is the city's signature walk — a half-mile flat promenade around a canal and waterfall, connected to Old Bellevue and Meydenbauer Bay.
Local editor tip
Chain Downtown Park → Old Bellevue → Meydenbauer Bay for a two-mile loop that ends at the water. Best in late afternoon.
Section 2
Wetland and nature walks
Mercer Slough Nature Park has the region's best urban wetland boardwalk — level, quiet, and full of birds at dawn.
Section 3
Waterfront walks
Chism Beach Park and Meydenbauer Bay Park each offer short waterfront paths that end at swimmable coves in summer.
Section 4
Gardens and hills
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is free year-round (only Garden d'Lights is ticketed). Wilburton Hill Park connects to the garden via a woodland trail.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bellevue park has the best free walk?
Downtown Park's half-mile promenade is the most iconic; the Mercer Slough boardwalk is the best for wildlife.
Are these walks stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Downtown Park, Meydenbauer Bay Park, and the Mercer Slough boardwalk are fully accessible. Wilburton Hill has some grades and gravel.
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