Just minutes from where we live, Mercer Slough Nature Park is the largest freshwater wetland of Lake Washington. More than 320 acres of wildlife habitat, agriculture, and freshwater wetland make up one of Bellevue’s largest parks, which also includes a canoe/kayak launch and unique trail through the slough.
These photos were all taken with an iPhone, since I didn’t want to bring my DSLR along for this wet activity!
We rented a tandem kayak and paddled our way through the trail in under two hours. This is a really unique kayaking experience if you’re used to ocean or lake kayaking. Once you pass under the I-90 bridge, you enter another world. With lush foliage all around, lilies growing at the water’s edge, and only the sound of the paddle slicing through the water you feel like a true explorer.
This is a great spot for birdwatching as well. We saw great blue herons, ducks, and geese, as well as others we couldn’t name.
If you’re looking for a low-key adventure in the Seattle/Bellevue area, we highly recommend checking out Mercer Slough Nature Park. Even if you’re not a big kayaker, there are many trails, a visitor’s center, environmental education center, picnic areas, waterfront, and a blueberry farm, which sells fresh seasonal produce!
www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/mercer_slough.htm
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