55This spot was perfect for the Dog, who loves nothing more than running full tilt on a forest trail. We both had a great time, and the bonus for the Human was that the Dog slept until the next afternoon (tired dog = happy human).Barbara L.
Barbara L.
January 2021
This spot was perfect for the Dog, who loves nothing more than running full tilt on a forest trail. We both had a great time, and the bonus for the Human was that the Dog slept until the next afternoon (tired dog = happy human).
55Great place for a tromp through the woods! Our water-loving dogs found some big, deep puddles to wade in too. After the recent windstorm and rain, we encountered many downed trees and branches to scramble over or under and ankle-deep water to walk through, so be prepared for the conditions. We appreciated having the garbage can available to deposit our used poo bags. Margaret T.
Margaret T.
January 2021
Great place for a tromp through the woods! Our water-loving dogs found some big, deep puddles to wade in too. After the recent windstorm and rain, we encountered many downed trees and branches to scramble over or under and ankle-deep water to walk through, so be prepared for the conditions. We appreciated having the garbage can available to deposit our used poo bags.
55Amazing spot! So much space for hiking and exploring. The dogs loved it. Our dog has a pretty bad grass allergy so this was perfect - mostly dirt and moss trails. Thank you so much! We had a wonderful time.Haley E.
Haley E.
January 2021
Amazing spot! So much space for hiking and exploring. The dogs loved it. Our dog has a pretty bad grass allergy so this was perfect - mostly dirt and moss trails. Thank you so much! We had a wonderful time.
55Wonderful spot! Easy to get to with great instructions from the host. This is a great spot for reactive pups like mine. So many awesome trails, no people, no other dogs. Truly a beautiful spot!Denise R.
Denise R.
February 2021
Wonderful spot! Easy to get to with great instructions from the host. This is a great spot for reactive pups like mine. So many awesome trails, no people, no other dogs. Truly a beautiful spot!
55I think this is our new favorite spot. We had 6 dogs with us and they loved every inch of it -- the log they had to jump over (over and over), the puddles they crossed several times, and the long trails. Thank you for sharing this lovely property.Ailynn C.
Ailynn C.
February 2021
I think this is our new favorite spot. We had 6 dogs with us and they loved every inch of it -- the log they had to jump over (over and over), the puddles they crossed several times, and the long trails. Thank you for sharing this lovely property.
55Really nice loop through the woods, super quiet and generally well groomed trails. The puddles are present for sure so wear appropriate footwear but it’s not anything we Washingtonians can’t handle! The dogs had an awesome time romping and chasing squirrel scents!Mollyrose D.
Mollyrose D.
February 2021
Really nice loop through the woods, super quiet and generally well groomed trails. The puddles are present for sure so wear appropriate footwear but it’s not anything we Washingtonians can’t handle! The dogs had an awesome time romping and chasing squirrel scents!
55My dog and I both enjoyed this spot! Well kept trails, lots for the dog to smell and lovely sights for me to enjoy. I was a bit nervous about the bee hives but they are clearly marked and seemingly not too active at this time of year so no problem. I’d recommend rain boots and keeping an eye out for blackberry vines! Jaquie K.
Jaquie K.
March 2021
My dog and I both enjoyed this spot! Well kept trails, lots for the dog to smell and lovely sights for me to enjoy. I was a bit nervous about the bee hives but they are clearly marked and seemingly not too active at this time of year so no problem. I’d recommend rain boots and keeping an eye out for blackberry vines!
55Fabulous spot! As mentioned in the description, there are a few spots where the Tolt Pipeline trail is visible through wire mesh fencing, but otherwise we felt "lost" in the woods and had a perfect time just wandering the trails. Definitely book more than an hour to fully enjoy! Kate S.
Kate S.
March 2021
Fabulous spot! As mentioned in the description, there are a few spots where the Tolt Pipeline trail is visible through wire mesh fencing, but otherwise we felt "lost" in the woods and had a perfect time just wandering the trails. Definitely book more than an hour to fully enjoy!
55My pups had a great time exploring all of the trails and puddles. They had so much fun. We can't wait to go back. Please note that your pup can leave the property by way of the Tolt Pipeline, so make sure they have excellent recall or leash them when you get to that area.Kim H.
Kim H.
March 2021
My pups had a great time exploring all of the trails and puddles. They had so much fun. We can't wait to go back. Please note that your pup can leave the property by way of the Tolt Pipeline, so make sure they have excellent recall or leash them when you get to that area.
55This was our second visit. The snow is gone and the ground has dried up. The dogs seemed to remember the place and just happily ran the circuit twice in an hour. It was great. I really appreciate having a place like this to visit. There was even a small stream where the dogs jumped in to play. Ailynn C.
Ailynn C.
March 2021
This was our second visit. The snow is gone and the ground has dried up. The dogs seemed to remember the place and just happily ran the circuit twice in an hour. It was great. I really appreciate having a place like this to visit. There was even a small stream where the dogs jumped in to play.
55We had a great time! Booked 1.5 hours and did 3 loops around. One large puddle that was avoidable for humans but the dogs splashed on through. Would recommend long pants for the blackberry vines! I got snagged a couple times. The bees are very easily avoidable and we didn't have any issue. Heard a couple dogs barking in the distance but otherwise no encounters with other humans, dogs, squirrels or other creatures. Highly recommend this sniffspot for reactive dogs!Amy B.
Amy B.
March 2021
We had a great time! Booked 1.5 hours and did 3 loops around. One large puddle that was avoidable for humans but the dogs splashed on through. Would recommend long pants for the blackberry vines! I got snagged a couple times. The bees are very easily avoidable and we didn't have any issue. Heard a couple dogs barking in the distance but otherwise no encounters with other humans, dogs, squirrels or other creatures. Highly recommend this sniffspot for reactive dogs!
55I haven't visited in a few months and this was a wonderful visit. The trails were fun for the dogs to run on even with the extra wide storm branches. Had a chance to work on recall when we met a man and his off leash dog. It was not on the property but since it is unfenced we got close to them on the Tolt line. Tina P.
Tina P.
March 2021
I haven't visited in a few months and this was a wonderful visit. The trails were fun for the dogs to run on even with the extra wide storm branches. Had a chance to work on recall when we met a man and his off leash dog. It was not on the property but since it is unfenced we got close to them on the Tolt line.
55What a wonderful spot! My doggie loved running the trails (he's usually a ball dog but happily skipped the ball on the trails). The listing is correct - you just can't get lost on the trails (thank goodness as I'm not very good at trail navigation). Fully enjoyed our visit and will definitely return!!Lori M.
Lori M.
April 2021
What a wonderful spot! My doggie loved running the trails (he's usually a ball dog but happily skipped the ball on the trails). The listing is correct - you just can't get lost on the trails (thank goodness as I'm not very good at trail navigation). Fully enjoyed our visit and will definitely return!!
55great spot! easy instructions for access and signage onsite, the printed trail map was also reallg helpful! we did a couple laps, trails were mostly dry with only a few muddy spots. Eva M.
Eva M.
April 2021
great spot! easy instructions for access and signage onsite, the printed trail map was also reallg helpful! we did a couple laps, trails were mostly dry with only a few muddy spots.
55A very pleasant afternoon walk on the wooded trails. Lucy’s description of the spot is completely accurate. The puddles were minimal making for a mostly dry walk - a bonus at this time of the year! Would highly recommend this special spot. We will be back. Susan H.
Susan H.
January 2021
A very pleasant afternoon walk on the wooded trails. Lucy’s description of the spot is completely accurate. The puddles were minimal making for a mostly dry walk - a bonus at this time of the year! Would highly recommend this special spot. We will be back.
55Trails were easy to find and access. Considering it has really been wet the past week, there was minimal mud and I would just back track to another trail if there was a puddle I didn’t want to cross. I like trails where I don’t have to worry about getting lost! We didn’t see any wild life or bunnies, so I was pretty tempted to let my dog off lease. Well maybe next time when I come back! Lisa H.
Lisa H.
January 2021
Trails were easy to find and access. Considering it has really been wet the past week, there was minimal mud and I would just back track to another trail if there was a puddle I didn’t want to cross. I like trails where I don’t have to worry about getting lost! We didn’t see any wild life or bunnies, so I was pretty tempted to let my dog off lease. Well maybe next time when I come back!
55So fun! Some of the puddles are a bit more like lakes or creeks in certain spots, but there are plenty of trails to try if you don’t mind backtracking and exploring. Had such a great time, so beautiful 😍Morgan H.
Morgan H.
January 2021
So fun! Some of the puddles are a bit more like lakes or creeks in certain spots, but there are plenty of trails to try if you don’t mind backtracking and exploring. Had such a great time, so beautiful 😍
How do Mercer Island's private dog hiking trails work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Mercer Island dog hiking trails
Are dog hiking trails safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, inattentive owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than a city or county park. With a Sniffspot off-leash area all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars. Our hiking trails tend to be outside the city, which lends to more privacy, but it is also important to follow typical hiking safety precautions, such as potentially having trail maps.
How can I find dog hiking trails in Mercer Island?
How do I know if a dog hiking trail works for my dog?
Sniffspot provides the tools to find the ideal spot. Start by applying basic filters, such as fencing 6 feet tall and distractions, to find a dog park with trails that works for your dog. You can also filter by size if you are looking for a certain acre park, an expansive off-leash dog park. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our fully fenced dog hiking trails. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog hiking trails where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. Since you are looking for trails, make sure to check photos to see if it the spot has flat trails or gnarly trails. You can also browse by specific amenities, if you are looking for a view or a beach, for instance, or other activities or fun features. You can check whether the spot has off or on street parking, the regular park hours, whether it has paved trails or a modern restroom.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog hiking trail?
In order to hike the trails, we require that all dogs have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not permit dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot hiking trail at the same time as me?
Sniffspot only allows one booking at a time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the spot during visits. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between bookings.