Schmitz Park

5551 S.W. Admiral Way
Seattle, WA 98116
206-684-4075
Schmitz Park Website
Admission, Free
Lots of Free on-street parking
map

This 53.1-acre hidden treasure gives visitors a glimpse of the lush forest that blanketed this region before settlers arrived. Although it's located in densely populated West Seattle, it's an old-growth oasis filled with native plants. The quiet is deep here, punctuated only be echoing bird calls, and the air in spring is sweet and damp. Trails run through the park and they can get muddy after a rain, so bring boots! The terrain isn't too challenging and it is a great place for bird watching, botanizing and hiking with the kids, or a special someone. Look for the interpretive sign in the parking lot to help identify the plants and animals you might see.

April and May are a good time to visit - the birds' spring migration is underway and the skunk cabbage and trilliums are in bloom.