About Schmitz Preserve Park
Schmitz Preserve Park offers a unique opportunity to experience a rare stretch of old-growth forest within West Seattle. Its distinct value lies in the natural, untamed beauty of towering mossy trees, lush ferns, and the fascinating 'nurse stump' formations where new cedars emerge from ancient ones. It provides an immersive 'deep forest' feel with soothing sounds of water, making it an ideal escape for a serene nature walk or an educational family hike.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a peaceful nature walk or easy hike.Educational outings to observe old-growth forest ecosystems and unique tree formations.A sensory experience enjoying natural sounds and sights.Families with active children who enjoy exploring forests.A refreshing escape for parents, even solo.
Why families love it
- One of the few remaining stretches of old-growth forest in Seattle, featuring ancient trees, lush ferns, and abundant moss.
- Contains a captivating natural phenomenon: immense Western red cedar trees emerging from monumental stumps of older trees (often referred to as 'nurse stumps').
- Trails are described as 'fairly easy' and 'overall flat,' with some manageable 'steep grades'.
- Features paths and bridges winding through the natural landscape.
- Streams contribute to a soothing soundscape.
- Very scenic, with a mix of old and new growth.
Insider tips
- **Wear appropriate footwear:** Expect 'muddy areas,' so waterproof or mud-resistant shoes are recommended, especially after rain.
- **Look for the 'nurse stumps':** Actively seek out the immense Western red cedar trees growing from large, worn stumps for a unique observation opportunity.
- **Embrace the sensory experience:** Pay attention to the 'colors, sounds,' and the 'sound of the water' for a truly 'replenishing' visit.
- **Consider bringing your dog:** The park is pet-friendly, as dogs were noted to enjoy it.
Good to know before you go
- If you require fully paved or stroller-friendly paths due to 'steep grades' and 'muddy areas'.
- Reviewers noted 'a few muddy areas' on the trails, requiring appropriate footwear.
- Crowds
- One reviewer mentioned 'going solo...talk about replenishing the spirits,' suggesting it can be peaceful, but no specific crowd level data or busy times were provided.
- Accessibility
- Trails include 'paths and bridges' for walking.
What parents say
"What an incredible opportunity for W Seattle! The colors, the sounds, the location and the simple joy of just walking and observing your surroundings. Such a treat to spend some time in here going solo...talk about replenishing the spirits! Outstanding trails! Go get some!"
3 weeks ago
"My favorite place in West Seattle and possibly one of my favorite places in the entire city. This is one of the few stretches of old growth still remaining in Seattle: most of the area looked like this before the arrival of the settlers, all lush ferns and mossy trees that are so dazzling in their height that their uppermost branches remain hidden. There is nothing particularly artful or consciously designed about this area: aside from the paths and bridges winding through it, much looks exactly as it did before Seattle existed. There is one area that particularly captivated me, wherein these "
6 months ago
"Fairly easy hike. A few steep grades but overall flat trail. A few muddy areas. Very scenic mixer of old and new growth. Lots of ferns, plants and streams."
8 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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