A bit tough to find if you're searching in Google Maps, as it's smack dab in the middle of a…read moreresidential neighborhood, but once you do - and navigate parking - it's a beautiful jaunt through nature. Possibly slippery when wet, as the trail is packed with leaves, it makes for a journey and an adventure in a short (or lengthy) walk. The trail is easily navigable, occasionally with wooden/metal grates, bridge-like pathways leading hikers up and over the more wet, sloshy areas. It seems to be a quiet hike through the woods, possibly most intended for those who live in the neighborhood. But it's a nice walk, peaceful and the minimal other people we saw respected distance and trail etiquette. Only slight altitude gains, which makes for easy family walks and adventuring.

I pass one of the entrances to the Schmitz Preserve Park on a regular basis but had never actually…read moregone inside until today. Just steps away from busy Admiral Way is an oasis with some of the tallest trees I've seen in West Seattle. -- From Seattle.gov: Schmitz Preserve was donated to the city in pieces between 1908 and 1912. The most generous chunk came from a German immigrant/pioneer/banker/realtor named Ferdinand Schmitz, who served on the park commission during those years. It was Schmitz's idea, as he saw how rapidly the great forest was disappearing, to preserve part of it in its natural state. Even Schmitz's land had not been completely untouched by logging, though. Some huge stumps in the park still show deep notches hacked high above the ground for the "spring-boards" on which axe men would stand to avoid having to chop through the lower root crown, the thickest and hardest part of the tree. After 1908, however, the new park rapidly gained popularity as a quiet complement to the West Seattle park complex. Except for the paved entrance and a parking lot at the northwest corner, the park has remained essentially unchanged ever since. (Edited from the files of Don Sherwood, 1916-1981, Park Historian.) --- The trails of this preserve are perfect for an after-work mini-hike or a long weekend stroll. I've heard that a neighborhood pony makes its home on a property adjacent to the preserve (but don't try to pet him! I've heard he bites!). Tonight I had a very short visit due to time, but even as the sky was starting to darken there were individuals walking the paths. Next time I will spend a couple of hours here. Easy off street parking near the Admiral Way entrance/exit makes this a no-brainer for a quick getaway to destress while still within the city limits.

Leschi Park is across the street from Leschi South Moorage along Lakeside Avenue S. Leschi Park…read moreitself is NOT along the water, unlike the several photos posting water views. That's the moorage itself. Don't expect to pack a picnic with a view of the water. That doesn't mean Leschi Park is anything to sneeze at. It's sizable with a portion that is well manicured and good for a picnic. There are several benches in this area and some portions are shady. When we went, the rose hedges were blooming and quite pretty. There's also a sequoia that was dedicated to the head gardener from 65 years ago. There are a few tennis courts too. The parts that I like more are the trails that have a forest vibe. Leschi Park is adjacent to Frink Park; together, they form a very large area to explore. I didn't find much signs or maps so I just used Google maps to choose walking paths. Cell signal was solid inside both parks. On a hot day, these two tree filled parks provide lots of shade; they would be an excellent place to visit.

It's a nice park with waterfront views in the Leschi neighborhood. I've been here a few times,…read moreespecially on clear days, and the setting always makes for a memorable time. Leschi Park is small, and most who visit are here for the views, as it's off of Lake Washington, so you can see the eastside and I-90. There's a small covered seating area and a dock for boaters. It's cool that there are a few restaurants and businesses nearby, as well as a parking lot. It's walking distance to the residential area and the Madrona neighborhood. If you're looking to access the water, I would recommend the short walk up north along the trail to Madrona Beach Park, which is larger and is more popular. However, Leschi Park is here for when you want more of a private, quiet scene, just for the views. Not a bad spot at all.

The newest 'Fritz Hedges Waterway Park' really has some of the bleakest landscaping I've seen. In…read moresummer you will simply cook in the sun and the sparse parking lot tree species all look half alive. And the native landscaping is very weedy. I'm not sure why nobody put any thought into providing shade. It seems somebody landscaped it back in 2021 and forgot about anything but cutting the grass. I'm sure they send the folks in with gas powered blowers twice a week but god forbid they actually pluck a weed or water a tree. The grass is great if you're a goose or duck, and it's great for you to poop on, of course. It's a fine place to go swim or launch a boat but staying on shore...well you'd be better off visiting Greenlake.

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park at first blush really reminded the honey and I of Annabel Lake in San…read moreRamon. It has quite a bit of seating and a gorgeous view of the water. We loved watching the ducks and enjoying how peaceful the park is. The one star loss is that if you look a little closer you'll notice that the chairs are bolted down and could use a new coat of paint. The park is generally clean, but it appears that they've been doing some weed work on the garden and haven't yet cleaned out the dead plant material. I expected a bit more of Sakuma Viewpoint since wasn't really a viewpoint - it's just a water overlook and you have the same view almost everywhere in the park, but beyond that, we really enjoyed how relaxing the space was. So all in all, if you're in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to drop by.

Originally the honey and I were hoping to take the trail that cuts off from the 1-90 trail down and…read moreunder the East Portal Viewpoint, however it was cordoned off so we ended up taking in the gorgeous view and going back through the tunnel to Bradner Gardens Park. The view at the East Portal Viewpoint is amazing, especially on a clear day. It's so pretty that when you're on the other side of Lake Washington, you can think back on what it looked like like from so high up. It's almost entirely an easy walk from Sam Smith Park through the large tunnel, though the last 20 feet or so after the tunnel up to the view is up a steep incline, so be prepared. Otherwise this was a fun point in our day, and definitely worth the detour!

We've driven under here for decades but never looked to see what's above. After studying Google…read moremaps, I learned of this viewpoint and decided it's time to search for it. Essentially, you'll be standing above where it says "Seattle - Portal to the Pacific" This spot is not easy to find so definitely GPS your way there. If you drive a stick shift, be aware of some steep streets in the area. It was a cloudy day and the fact this is not a park with resting places, it's not crowded at all. It's kind of nice to stand here and take some pictures. If you want to explore, there's a walk/bike path to get down to I-90 and Lake Washington. The walk/bike path tunnel has some cool art work. Because it's relatively quiet, I'd suggest proceed with caution rather you're on foot or bike. I'm not familiar with the safety in this area. Probably don't come alone at night for your first visit. Anyway, as a local, I think it's a visit at least once worthy scenic stop.

Beautiful park right by the water. I enjoyed a nice run here with views of the water, mountains and…read morecity. Super well maintained.

Beautiful views throughout, nice , clean and would highly recommend for walking, jogging, biking…read more@etc.

A great short hike through the wetlands, close to U of W. Lots of bird watching opportunities,…read moreseeing lots of ducks, hummingbirds, raptors, and other water loving birds and creatures. A cool spot of nature, between lake Washington, Washington State Arboretum, and the University. Looking forward to coming back, when the ice is gone, and enjoying a sunny breezy day by the lake. Easy hike with lots of food and drink opportunities close by. Yelping on, Cheers!

I love, love, love the nature!…read more I love walks. Urban walks that make you feel like you've left the city hold a special place in my heart. The only bit that bothered me a little was related to this park being situated on an old landfill. I hear those leak eventually, and it was a little disturbing to see a couple of puddles of oil on the ground and some slightly unusual bubbles coming from the creek. I definitely prefer parks and trails to development and blocked off unused space, so... I guess this is as good as it gets for such a space.

Such a cute and fun addition to the iconic Fremont Troll. I never knew this area existed! I was a…read morebig fan of the benches to enjoy the city view on a sunny day. Loved the moss wish turtle. I recommend walking through :)

Not really much going on with this mini hike. I just wish that there was more water in the jug to…read moreuse for when you pat moss turtle baby for a good wish. Still cute w the little troll houses on the trees, though, hehe

Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint is another spot you can add to your list of obscure Seattle viewpoints…read more It's not the most stunning view in this city, but it is a unique little place and worth a stop if you're in the area. This pocket park is an excellent example of what neighborhood community activism can accomplish in creating new public space. The project began in 1999 with a petition to acquire the land from the Washington State Department of Transportation and ended in 2009 when the park was dedicated on the spring equinox. Money to build the park was raised through a combination of public funding, corporate giving, and donations from individuals and foundations. The park is tucked back in the Mount Baker neighborhood on the ridge above the I-90 tunnels. The viewpoint is in the middle of an old, quaint two block commercial district with several eateries close by. Parking is on the street.

About 70 some folks and dogs stopped by for the June Solstice. A pretty neat and scientifically…read moreaccurate spot here in seattle. The sunset stones are a sundial. Check them out. Right above the I-90 tunnel and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail.