Walking Tour – Schmitz Preserve Park with SPR
The 53-acre Schmitz Preserve Park was donated to the City of Seattle in pieces between 1908 and 1912. The most generous portion came from a German immigrant/banker/realtor named Ferdinand Schmitz, who served on the park commission during those years. He and his wife Emma donated the land to be used perpetually for park purposes in order that certain natural features be preserved. As a result, this park is one of only two Seattle parks where our magnificent old-growth coniferous forest is still largely intact.
The Olmsted Brothers firm developed design drawings for the park in 1909. The design included a shelter house and pergola, a trail system, scenic pool and waterfalls within the park.
Park trails are steep at times and can be muddy. Please wear appropriate footwear.