Hidden treasure! My elementary age boys & I drive 20 mins to play here when we want something different than our daily neighborhood park trips.Upper Park has skateboard ramps and play area that challenges their mind beyond others. I also appreciate the escape into the nature trails. With 3 trail options by incline and interlacing allows easy transition to each trail, makes this achievable by any. The pond was a pleasant surprise walking onto it from east to west. The history boards were informative and humbling. Must take the time to read. Well worth your time. The scenery from the park over looking I-5 interstate onto Tacoma & its Dome was a reality that in a busy world, we have a place to be still.McKinley Park IS very well maintained. The play areas have been clean every time and the trails were manicured beautifully! The foliage has been to explore the whole way! One down side...I would like to see the bridge area be what it looks like on the posted maps... Yet still pleased.We have been there many times and with extended family and will be going again in the future! For all these reasons McKinley is a hidden treasure worth exploring!

This park is a beautiful, quiet oasis of calm. It is lovingly maintained by dedicated members of the community. There is a small pond and a waterfall that my kids LOVE. I do NOT however let them throw rocks in the pond or waterfall because I dont want them to destroy the landscaping. Hills might be too steep for some. I am so grateful for this dometop gem. Its absolutely exquisite!

Its a nice spot to take the kids and have some out door fun instead of some indoor video games

Cool lil park take my kids (,pets) there to ha e a lil animal fun lol

I didnt have enough time there to explore. I enjoyed what I got to see during my visit. I plan to return soon to explore, and share more. Until then ️

Beautiful park, but no off leash dog area

Its nice theres even a tiny skate portion also a trail.

The good: Really cool trails on hill that gives you a good workout if you want to, but also enough open space at the top to throw a Frisbee around or play fetch with a pup.The bad: Overall, the maintenance isnt great.The ugly: The neighborhood is pretty gnarly and I was getting stared down by some locals pretty hard. Didnt exactly feel safe.

Its a good place to hang out...and relax with friends... especially going out for fresh air..

Well maintained trails through mature trees

My children and I love this park because it is quiet and close to our house, but I hope that every person who brings his dog is by his side and does not move away from him because I am very afraid of dogs.

Literally just a skate park. Dont waste your time.

Smaller childrens play area but its really nice and convenient not very many people go there

Great place to walk or run hills (Ive also come here with my bike, but the paths are very steep at places-use the sidewalk alongside Upper Park st). My one-year old daughter loves the playground since she can run around freely. Youve got the great view of the Tacoma Dome and highway on the one hand, and the forest on the other, with little streams, and maps along the way. And you can see a lot with just a short walk here.Parking is easy in the street- arrive on Upper Park St.

My first time thereA secret little getaway.

Nice little get away

The park Stewart (Danny) takes well care of the park. I thank you very much for what you do to keep the park safe. A great place to go for a walk and not have to go far to get too. Safe place for my puppy to go for a walk.

Quiet full of wind and the grass is beautiful. Walked here with my boyfriend hopefully one day we can walk Yoda with us or our son or daughter I want to name River.

Theres a little FUN playground here. I would say up to kindergarten kids would enjoy. Its neat n nice greens. there r 3 picnic tables n a bench. following the sidewalk to the up hill, theres mini bike/skateboard. there r seasonal bathrooms n drinkin water.Theres also the trails with on leash dog walking.it will be street parking but never get too busy, except the events at the Tacoma dome.

Nice skateboard park service nd swingset near the bus stop

McKinley park is an amazing place to go out and get some fresh air. Aside from the playground and the street style skate park you might find yourself along the many trails that the park has to offer. These trails offer great views and a good place to walk around.

Clean quiet and relaxing with nice views and pretty scenic

Nice park, lots of trails to walk.

McKinley Park was founded in 1901 to be an urban oasis of nature. Natural water sources were harnessed to feed a lily pool and pond, which now is protected as a wetlands habitat. Most of the park remains forested, with an emphasis on habitat restoration and natural landscaping.The main trails are well-marked and well-maintained. Each one is less than a mile, but they can be put together to create a longer walk. The access trails between the main trails are less marked, but frequent maps should prevent anyone from getting lost. Trails are mainly gravel, packed dirt, or sawdust, with a short boardwalk above the wetlands area. Benches, picnic tables, and trash cans are scattered throughout the trail system. This park is on a hillside, so be prepared for elevation drops and gains. That being said, I didnt have a problem completing the trails in flip-flops while pushing a stroller.The west side of the park has two unisex single-stall restrooms, with dog leash posts outside. The dog/human drinking fountain didnt seem to be working for some reason. The main playground included swings for kids and toddlers, and two jungles gyms for kids of various climbing abilities. The playground equipment looked to be similar to that at point defiance zoo- in other words, it looked like lots of fun. Two distinct, albeit small, skate ramp structures. Adjacent is a small skateboard-themed jungle gym.The two biggest concerns people seem to have about this park are: freeway noise and safety issues. Several acres of the park were taken over by the federal government in the 1960s to use for the construction of I-5. The freeway noise is noticeable, and I-5 is clearly visible from the lower wetlands area. In the past, this park has been home to homeless squatters. Though this does not appear to be a problem currently, its something to be aware of. Personally, I felt comfortable wandering around by myself and with an infant.Dedicated volunteers have worked to restore this lovely park that had fallen into disrepair after being cut off from downtown by the freeway. Please come and enjoy the efforts of MetroParks, SoundTransit and volunteers.

Fun place to take dogs for a run.

Dedication to grounds maintenance and concern for public safety is top notch here. I’ve brought my dog here for over 3 years and enjoyed all the enchanted wonder this park holds.

Its just a very nice park . well maintained, big,. well worth the hassle our navigation system gave us.

Fun ride but not for beginners

Nice little neighborhood park.

A pretty, surprisingly large stretch of forest trails and park. Not very wheelchair accessible.

Another place to enjoy nature, hike, or kick back

To Hot play ground had no shade.

Nice place to walk and right by Freeway.

Killer views and nicely kept.

I love this park. Its a magical place with people who truly care and volunteer their time making it special beyond words. It has steep inclines so bring a walking stick if you need the support. There are clear maps to give you mileage indicators so you can mix up your routine, you can do a lap or wander. Its a neighborhood treasure and a great place for a workout or mediation or a picnic etc...

Great park lots of room

I had my 36 birthday party here. I had over 80 people there perfect place for children all the way to grown adults

I love nature a great place for meditation

So beautiful. Shows how amazing the east side is. Barbeque spots as well. Playground. Skate park. Dog areas. One of the best in tacoma.

Nice bit of natural forest close to downtown. Lots of traffic sounds.

I love how fence and at the same time open it is here. You can get lost and even drown out the noise of the city. If your lucky you might even hear a bird coughing on the exhaust from I-5 as it tries to sing.

McKinley park is awesome. I didnt even realize how big it was until my fiance and I went to hike the hill. Ill tell ya its a steep bank, make sure you give yourself extra time if you arent an avid Walker or hiker because you will slow down on your way back up.There is really interesting art on the trail. Dont know who put it there but it adds a mystifying touch to its allure. Kids have the park up too but teens through middle aged folks would love the rest of the hillside.

The park is looking great in fall colors! Its clean and well kept. Theres trail options to make your walk long or short.

Actually a nice short hiking area

McKinley Park was structure on a natural Ridge site and the trail that was cut into it at a parallel to the slope formation in a switchback configuration, that lessen the steep slope. It Is well manicured and well laid out. But it can be treacherous if you are not familiar with it.

Views good to have cool place to calm and get away from city in the city

Good place to take a walk during the day if youd rather avoid crowded parks. There are two paths a sidewalk and a forest trail. I dont recommend the forest trail if you are an evening or nighttime jogger because the trail is steep and narrow in some areas and one could easily fall if you cant see very well. Also it is a bit creepy so ladies dont go down the forest trail alone

Excellent place to walk

On of my fave down the hill walks.

I wouldnt call it a park. an extra big freeway shoulder. its over grown, dirty and people parked all around doing who knows what.

Pretty cool and clean park. No sign of any homeless, or drug use the three times Ive walked through there. Little bit of traffic noise from I5.

Its a nice park, but homeless individuals are near by most of the time.

I love the trails there are levels with different intensity

One of my favorite places.

Friend of ours shared this spot with us today. Nice place for running up and down hills. Very pretty and clean park

Love to take my dogs here.

Bathrooms arent open on weekends

Ok

If you havent been here yet you are missing out on a true gem of Tacoma brought back from neglect by a passionate Community. Thank you Scheidt family for working, organizing and being such awesome Neighbors. They do work parties and restoration efforts with partners like the Sierra Club, Mission Continues. Thank you Friends of McKinley Park!

My son got to ride his batman power wheel here !!! He loved it :)

Theres voodoo in those trails

There are tables so you can have lunch under the shade. Going here for a walk is very nice.

Hilly, good trails. My dog loved it. A little isolated and scary on the lower trails, so I wouldnt go alone.

Small park great for a quick walk with dogs

Cool little park didnt even know it was there

Hard to tell where anything was at. I did see small maps shown hiking routes but no playground, no dog park and was located right next to I5 freeway.

Nice, smaller, neighborhood park, walkways, playground, and open gassy areas.

Clean trails. Updated. Nice place to take your dog for a walk.

Its on a natural ridge. The path was cut a lo g the length of the ridge and does a general 180 to go back the other direction but at a slight downward angle.The effect is you get to walk the linear part of the park but also on a downward slope of about 12 degrees easy walking

Nice, quiet and peaceful.... great little community park to spent your lunch break

Cleaned up since we were here last. Had a blast with my daughter

Metro Parks Rise and Grind 2019. Small park on hill with switch backs.

Danny Patnode our working park Stewart had done and outstanding job keeping the park looking good !!

Nice little park not many ppl wish the trials where marked a little better

I just love this park .Ive been going there off and on for 35 years it has definitely been through some changes. .but its it still a great place for walking around in the trails...my 2 little dogs love it

A good and long walk, fun to walk at night.

This place has a lot of natural beauty with the small wetland area and a well maintained native landscape. Its very hilly so be prepared for a semi-difficult walk if you go through the park. The only downside for me is how close it is to the freeway. If you can ignore the highway noise it is otherwise very peaceful and serene.

Seems some people think the leash law doesn’t apply to them and unfortunately it’s not reinforced. I thought I’d be safe walking here only to run into a pitbull off leash and being told by owner not to show fear or he’ll attack. I was bit by another pit in January after owner said he’s the best dog ever, so of course I’m fearful. Take your dogs to off leash parks, not here where families want to be safe!!

Nice to see its still standing

No parking available

Peaceful when theres no weirdos tryna stalk you its a very good spot to relax though

Scary little park still!!

McKinley park was a pleasure to walk! Dog friendly folk, beautiful grassy areas in the forest, and a great environment in general

Clean, maintained... Peace

Out for a stroll with my dog. Trails through the woods. He likes the different smells. Cool in the heat of the day.

Good place to walk puppy dog

Getting better and better

Nice clean quiet

Awesome little neighborhood park. with a fun little wetlands preserve at the bottom. Freeway noise is very noticeable. Its been cleaned up significantly in the last few years thanks to some amazing neighborhood volunteer efforts. Cant recommend enough.

Small little park next to the free way. But it has a great view

So so.

Hillside trails with small waterfalls.

Always going there to chill

83rd kind of a wird park there is nowhere to park a car that I can see so it must be a walkn park other than that it was a bit sorry but an all around good park in daylight hours

Clean & fun park but the very limited parking was inconvenient.

Not the greatest neighborhood well maintained

Very nice off leash dog park. Great cardio trails or easy pace trails. Lovely water fall and ponds. Saw butterflies, squirrels, all kinds of birds. Met Larry, the volunteer who tends to the park, he does an amazing job. Thank you Larry!

Very beautiful park and trails. dont go at night as it is dangerous

Great park to go to with family

Great place! Quiet with a nice playground, little skate park, bathrooms & walking trails that include a small waterfall! Also, overlooks downtown Tacoma & right next to Tacoma Dome.