West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails
Seattle AreaBest Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
Ten miles of forest trail through Seattle's largest contiguous urban green space, hidden between West Seattle neighborhoods.
About This Trail
The West Duwamish Greenbelt covers Seattle's largest remaining urban forest — a corridor of second-growth Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and red alder running along the western slope above the Duwamish River. Ten miles of trail thread through it, connecting Pigeon Point Park, Puget Park, Westcrest Park, and the smaller access points along 21st Avenue SW. The network is well-built but easy to lose — junctions multiply, signage is uneven, and the canopy can disorient on a gray day.
The country looks like wilderness despite the setting. Sword fern and salal carpet the forest floor; vine maple turns red and yellow in October; varied thrush and Pacific wren work the canopy through the wet months. Hawks, bald eagles, and foxes use the corridor; frogs hold down the wet bottoms. The high points open glimpses of Mount Rainier on clear days.
This is a city walk with a wilderness feel. Park at any of the four named access points; bring a map of the network the first time out. Bus connections serve all four. Two restrooms in the network — none at the trailheads.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Local foot traffic mostly. Westcrest Park stays busiest; the deeper sections of the greenbelt see few visitors even on weekends.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Network junctions multiply — bring a map on first visits
- Some segments cross neighborhood streets and gravel access roads
Getting There
Multiple trailhead options at Pigeon Point Park, Puget Park, Westcrest Park, and 21st Ave SW. No restrooms at most. Transit-accessible via several bus lines.
Similar Hikes
