Mckay Marsh Nature Trail - Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Mckay Marsh Nature Trail offers a serene dog-friendly hiking experience in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This approximately 1.5–2 mile loop is perfect for dog owners who want to explore pet-friendly nature trails, complete with shaded sections, gentle slopes, and unique wetland views. The trail is well-maintained and provides an earthy escape, allowing both owners and their dogs to immerse themselves in nature and local wildlife sightings, such as eagles. Informational signs about wildlife, trees, and the marsh make each visit educational and enjoyable for dogs and their humans alike.
While not a traditional dog park with fenced areas, Mckay Marsh Nature Trail is great for leashed walks and light hikes, making it a favorite spot for families, beginners, and pets. Access to the trail is inside JBLM, so visitors should be prepared for occasional encounters with horses and, infrequently, military vehicles along the gravel sections. Whether you’re looking for a shaded walk, a peaceful place for your pet to burn energy, or a relaxing outing close to I-5, this dog-friendly trail is an excellent local choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park itself is a looped hiking trail offering a scenic, easy walk suited for both beginners and pets.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, most of the trail is shaded, providing comfort on sunny days.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews note that the trail is fairly well maintained and easy to walk.
- Are there playgrounds or activities for kids nearby? While not a playground, the trail is noted as a good place for kids to explore and burn off energy.
- Is the park open year-round? There is no seasonal restriction mentioned, so it is presumed open year-round, though access depends on base hours.
- Is parking available? Access is through Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and parking is available for base visitors.
- Is there public transportation to the park? The trail is within JBLM, so visitors would need base access; check local transit and base entry requirements.
Reviews
This is an outstanding trail for a hike around the marsh with the kids and pets. The trail is fairly well maintained and easy to walk. You need to access Joint Base Lewis McChord to get to the trail. Once in a while you see wildlife such as eagles.
This is a good short trail for beginners or just to hike. It’s loop is approximately 2 miles and a quarter mile of it consists of a dirt road. It’d make a good trail for trail running. It makes an excellent beginners course for mountain biking or for kids, nothing to difficult. Being so close to i5 and inside JBLM you definitely get the feeling of the woods once your on the trails. It is short so don’t expect to spend a lot of time there if you know what your doing, the experienced people.
It wasn’t a very hard hike or very long. My children love going here and burn off some energy
It’s a nice quiet trail on base. A few parts of the trail were narrow and getting overgrown, so not as kid friendly in those areas. I think it’s about a 1.5-mile loop, mostly shaded, with a few slopes. One stretch of it is on a gravel road for trucks and tanks. Not sure how often it’s used, but could get dusty if a vehicle rolled down it at the same time. Overall a nice trail for a short hike or jog.
I’ve done a few tails in this area. This one has great views of nature as they all do and gives you an earthly feeling that makes you want to remove your shoes and bury your toes into Mother Nature! There were informational signs along the path explaining types of trees and their origin, animals, the lake, a bridge, etc. Which made the trail more enjoyable and I felt myself slowing down to ensure I didn’t miss a sign. I took my dog with me and the scents sent him on a journey that I’m sure he wished he could put into words! Overall, the trail was great but I do wish it were longer. And there were horses! Can’t leave that part out, lol.