Get to Know Hiller Park in McKinleyville

The Hammond Trail, which stretches 5.5 miles from Arcata to Clam Beach, takes visitors over the beautiful Mad River, along the Mad River Bluffs and by a scenic vista point where seals can be spotted relaxing on the sand below.  The trail also takes visitors through Hiller Park, a beautiful park in west McKinleyville. 

Hiller park is fairly small in size at 36-acres but is quite large in what it has to offer. 

The Park features both a playground and a tot lot and within the playground area, there are picnic tables, a bbq and bathrooms which makes it a convenient place for family fun.  The playgrounds and their amenities are enclosed by a gated fence, separating it from the rest of the park and making it safer for kids to run around and have a good time. 

When you're hungry, our list of McKinleyville Restaurants has some delicious choices 

Speaking of kids, the four-legged kind, Hiller Park is also home to a very popular dog park where dogs can run freely, chase each other, fetch balls and hang out with their canine friends.   Dogs are also welcome to join their owners on any of the park's trails but must be leashed when leaving the dog park. 

Just beyond the dog park, there are additional picnic tables and some room to toss a frisbee, play catch or just relax. 

Officially, Hiller Park offers a little over 1.5 miles of walking trails, which includes a peaceful loop around the city's water treatment plant.   A portion of the trail takes walkers along a small creek and the entire loop is very peaceful and surrounded by full, lush greenery.  Look for the goats that help maintain the grounds of the water treatment facility.  The cute creatures do their best to keep the grounds mowed down and can often be spotted somewhere along the trail.   

Hiller Park and the Loop Trail connect to the Mad River Bluffs and the trails found within.  Visitors can add more distance to their walk if they choose by entering this trail system.  The Mad River Bluffs are spread out over 74 acres and are home to beautiful plants, native coastal pines and Sitka spruce trees giving it a serene, peaceful vibe.  There are also a variety of places where one can stop and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and gain access to the Mad River.  

More Humboldt County Trails -->  Our Trails Section has a detailed list of some of Humboldt County's Best Hikes.

Hiller Park is also home to a botanical garden which comes alive in the Spring and makes a great place to relax anytime of year.  There is seating in the garden and it's a chill place to read, meditate or just enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.

More info:

Find the Hiller Park entrance at 675 Hiller Road, just west of Highway 101.  Click HERE for a map to the park. 

The park is open from 8:00am - 8:00pm, year-round.  The gate to the park locks at 8:15pm.   

Click the link for more information about the Hammond Trail. 

Written by Colby K. for norcalpulse.com