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Schmitz Preserve Park: Seattle's Old-Growth Forest Escape

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Discover a serene old-growth forest escape in the heart of West Seattle at Schmitz Preserve Park, a natural haven since 1908.

Schmitz Preserve Park, nestled in West Seattle, offers a unique opportunity to explore an old-growth forest within the city. This 53.1-acre park features 1.7 miles of trails winding through towering trees and along Schmitz Park Creek, providing a tranquil escape from the urban environment [2, 3]. Donated to the city between 1908 and 1912 by Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, the park preserves a glimpse of the region's original landscape [2, 10].

A brief summary to Schmitz Preserve Park

  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be muddy, especially in areas where water seeps onto the path [3].
  • Download a trail map before your visit, as there are no trail signs within the park [2].
  • Explore the park's side trails to discover hidden viewpoints and connect to nearby neighborhoods [2, 18].
  • Visit nearby Whale Tail Park for restrooms and a playground, as Schmitz Preserve Park has no such amenities [3].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Seattle, several bus routes connect to the vicinity of Schmitz Preserve Park. King County Metro routes 50 and 56 stop near the trailhead on SW Admiral Way [2, 4, 24]. From the bus stop, walk along SW Admiral Way to SW Stevens Street, where you'll find the park entrance [2]. A one-way fare on King County Metro buses is $2.75 [15]. ORCA cards are accepted and can be purchased at light rail stations and other locations [19, 23]. Transfers are free within a two-hour window when using an ORCA card [15].

  • Walking

    If you are in the Alki Beach area, you can walk to Schmitz Preserve Park [8, 25]. Head east along Alki Avenue SW, then turn left onto 59th Ave SW. Continue onto SW Stevens Street, and then turn right onto SW Admiral Way. The park entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 blocks and takes about 30-40 minutes [12].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle [19]. A short taxi ride from downtown Seattle to Schmitz Preserve Park typically costs between $17 and $29, depending on the distance and traffic [6]. Meter rates for taxis in Seattle start at $2.60, plus $2.70 per mile [5, 11]. Note that prices may vary depending on demand and time of day [7].

Discover more about Schmitz Preserve Park

Schmitz Preserve Park is a hidden gem in West Seattle, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a genuine old-growth forest [3, 8, 16]. The park's 53.1 acres protect a diverse ecosystem with towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, and hemlocks, remnants of a landscape that once dominated the Puget Sound area [2, 16, 18]. The park's history is rooted in the vision of Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, German immigrants who donated a significant portion of the land to the city between 1908 and 1912 [2, 4, 10, 18]. Ferdinand, a banker and parks commissioner, recognized the rapid disappearance of Seattle's forests and sought to preserve a piece of it for future generations [10, 18]. Their donation stipulated that the land be used perpetually for park purposes, ensuring the preservation of its natural features [4]. Today, visitors can explore 1.7 miles of trails that meander through the park, following Schmitz Park Creek and its tributaries [2, 3]. The trails offer varying elevations and showcase the park's diverse plant life, including skunk cabbage, ferns, and salmonberry [2, 3]. Boardwalks traverse swampy areas, while other sections allow for creek-side exploration [3]. The absence of extensive signage encourages visitors to engage with the natural surroundings [12]. The park provides a peaceful retreat, allowing one to momentarily forget the city's hustle and bustle [2, 3].

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