Home › Washington › Seattle › Schmitz Park Trailhead
Schmitz Park Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Seattle, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Schmitz Park Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Schmitz Park Trailhead
“This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic trails.”
“This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic trails.”
I recommend parking at this trailhead versus any other entry point to Schmitz Park... plenty of street parking. Once inside you really start to feel the magic of an old growth forest... it's easy to forget about the urban setting surrounding the park.
Schmitz Park is awesome. Old growth in the heart of West Seattle. I lived real close to the park and would take my kids down to the trails. It's one of my favorite parks. There is also a unused road that goes down to the beach. It can get pretty muddy, so wear boots or go in the summer.
Schmitz Park in Seattle is a hidden gem in the city. This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic trails. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a great spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxing picnic.
Discover an incredible hidden paradise in West Seattle! Stroll along enchanting trails that lead you to serene creeks and charming waterfalls, straight out of a fantasy novel.
Trail conditions & character
“This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic trails.”
“I recommend parking at this trailhead versus any other entry point to Schmitz Park.”
“This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and scenic trails.”
“It can get pretty muddy, so wear boots or go in the summer.”
Plan your run at Schmitz Park Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteseattle.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Seattle
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Schmitz Preserve Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 472 reviews
Tranquil, 53.1-acre park with hiking paths & nature watching among old-growth forest.
Schmitz Park Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Park featuring forested areas with hiking trails, plus a river.
Myrtle Edwards Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,713 reviews
Waterfront recreation area with bike & pedestrian paths, plus an adjacent sculpture park.