Find a Hidden Gem at Schmitz Preserve Park

Have you ever wondered what the Seattle forests looked like? Well the last of our untouched old growth forest is located in West Seattle! Former parks commissioner Ferdinand Schmitz was watching our forest rapidly disappear and decided to act. Ferdinand was a German immigrant who moved to Seattle in 1887. His 1908 donation allowed a small piece of it to remain as nature intended. It is only 53.1 acres / about 15 city blocks but in a city like Seattle very welcomed. In 1949 a preservation policy was applied so only foot trails are allowed and there are no interior signs in the park. The latest addition to the park occurred in January of 2018 adding a 5,000 ft lot to the park. Enjoy!