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Schmitz Preserve Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 472 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 Preserve Park'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.
Tranquil, 53.1-acre park with hiking paths & nature watching among old-growth forest.
What runners say about Schmitz Preserve Park
“Beautiful trees all around, a creek, and cool trails.”
“Not a super big park but has a few trails in the ravine, quiet and seclusive, great to take a hike.”
“Easy walk but you can definitely work up a sweat at a good pace.”
Awesome hidden gem in West Seattle. I had no idea this existed. Beautiful trees all around, a creek, and cool trails. Do the easy hike end be surprised by wooden sculptures ❤
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…
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!
Great place to escape inside the city! Very few people on the trails, those I saw where trail runners or walkers. Small creek runs through. Great natural space inside west seattle. If there is not parking at the entrance they do allow parking on the bridge!
Trail conditions & character
“If there is not parking at the entrance they do allow parking on the bridge!”
“Just make sure to wear appropriate shoes as there's a few spots that are perpetually muddy.”
“Beautiful trees all around, a creek, and cool trails.”
Plan your run at Schmitz Preserve Park
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
- Phone+1 206-684-4075
- 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 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.