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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Schmitz Preserve Park

A serene 53.1-acre sanctuary in West Seattle featuring old-growth forest, winding hiking trails, and a legacy of early 20th-century conservation efforts.

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Schmitz Preserve Park
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is Schmitz Preserve Park known for?

The park is known for its old-growth forest, nature study, hiking, and walking paths. It is described as a densely wooded ravine that serves as a quiet complement to the West Seattle park complex.

How much does it cost to visit?

There is no entry fee to visit the park.

What are the hours?

Official park hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Are there hiking trails available?

Yes, the park offers 1.7 miles of hiking trails. Visitors may want to bring or print a trail map in advance because there are no trail signs in the park.

Where is the park located?

Schmitz Preserve Park is located at 5551 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA 98116, in the Admiral neighborhood of West Seattle.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Schmitz Preserve Park is a tranquil escape located in the Admiral neighborhood of West Seattle at 5551 SW Admiral Way. Spanning 53.1 acres, the park is celebrated for protecting an old-growth forested area near the center of West Seattle, providing a quiet complement to the broader West Seattle park complex. Visitors can explore 1.7 miles of hiking trails that wind through a densely wooded ravine, offering opportunities for nature study and nature watching. The park's history is rooted in the early 1900s. Between 1908 and 1912, the land was donated to the city in pieces. A major parcel was contributed by Ferdinand Schmitz, a German immigrant, banker, and realtor who served on the park commission. Schmitz proposed preserving the forest in its natural state because he witnessed the rapid disappearance of the great forests of the region. In 1908, the Olmsted Brothers described the area, then known as Forest Park, as a densely wooded ravine valuable for its scenic effects and recreation purposes. Ferdinand Schmitz intended his donation to be used perpetually for park purposes to ensure that the natural features of the land were preserved for future generations. Today, the park remains a vital urban forest preserve that allows visitors to step back in time and experience the original landscape of the the same region.

Visitor tips

  • Bring or print a trail map in advance, as there are no trail signs within the park.
  • The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Start your hike at the corner of SW Admiral Way and SW Stevens St, next to the signboard.
  • No parking permit is required for visiting the park.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Admiral neighborhood of West Seattle, Schmitz Preserve Park serves as a quiet, forested counterbalance to the more developed areas of the West Seattle park complex.

Sources

Evidence and links