Schmitz Park trails
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Location: West Seattle.
Length: More than a mile of trails.
Level of difficulty: Level paved to moderately steep dirt/gravel trails.
Setting: The park's 50 acres were donated in 1908-12, and although some trees were removed by loggers in the early 20th century, this preserve still harbors some of the last bits of Seattle's modified old-growth forest. The largest chunk of land was donated by Seattle pioneer Ferdinand Schmitz, and the famous Olmsted Brothers landscaping firm designed bridges and a shelter for what became a popular community park. After WWII, the shelter fell into disrepair and was removed in 1948.
Highlights: An elongated figure-eight trail includes branches that lead uphill to exit onto neighborhood streets (plans are in the making to remove the parking lot later this year to uncover the Schmitz Creek channel). A paved path leads from the park down the ravine to the Alki Community Center a few blocks from Alki Beach. A kiosk near the parking lot holds a brief park history and extensive lists of plants and birds found in the lush ravine; visit in spring to view blooming trillium and skunk cabbage. Hillside seeps form moist patches for water-loving plants, and mushrooms here include species common to older-growth forests.
Facilities: None; restrooms and water at Alki Community Center.
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. No bikes on any trails.
Directions: From southbound Interstate 5, take Exit 163A; northbound on I-5, take Exit 163. Take the ramp onto the West Seattle Freeway. Take the Southwest Admiral Way exit, go up a hill, continue straight through downtown West Seattle, and go down a hill. Soon after crossing 51st Avenue Southwest, turn left on Southwest Stevens Street, then immediately turn right through the gate to the parking lot. If the lot is closed due to restoration efforts, park on nearby streets or at the Alki Community Center.
For more information: 206-684-4075 or www.cityofseattle.net/parks/parkspaces/Schmitz.htm. To help with plant restoration efforts, call 206-932-0632.
Cathy McDonald is coauthor with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle," with photographs by James Hendrickson (The Mountaineers, second edition, 1997).